- WA consumers encouraged to shop at small businesses this festive season
- Western Australians expected to spend more than $7 billion on Christmas shopping
- Extended festive trading hours will make it easier to shop local
- This festive season Western Australian consumers are encouraged to shop locally for gifts to support small businesses.
With almost 235,000 small businesses in WA, representing 97 per cent of all businesses in the State, the value of shopping small goes beyond bringing joy to friends and family.
The Australian Retailers Association predicts that Western Australians will spend $7.3 billion in the lead up to Christmas Eve, with retailers of discretionary goods making up to two-thirds of their annual profit during the Christmas trading period.
The State Government has approved additional retail shopping hours which started from Monday, 4 December 2023 until New Year's Eve, to make it more convenient for shoppers to tick off their Christmas lists while supporting small traders.
For more information on the additional shopping hours visit: www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/extended-christmas-trading-hours
As stated by Small Business Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Small businesses are at the heart of our communities here in WA - they activate our suburbs by creating thriving community hubs and importantly support local jobs.
"We know the cost of living is impacting many Western Australians and it's one of the biggest challenges faced by small business operators.
"So this festive season I encourage all West Australians to shop at small businesses - buy your Christmas ham from the neighbourhood butcher, and grab a gift from an independent book store or a voucher for a loved one from the local day spa.
"Small businesses have so many unique offerings, which make for great Christmas presents and there's many bargains to be had."
As stated by Perth MLA John Carey:
"It's brilliant that the festive Christmas season is upon us, and I have always championed supporting local businesses across Perth.
"Small businesses like the Beaufort Street Book Shop are the types of businesses that bring such character to our Perth CBD and surrounds, and we need to support them - especially around the festive season.
"Every week in my electorate I'm out showcasing a local business in Perth and every year I buy my Christmas presents from local independent retailers.
"Shop local, and support our independent retailers as these businesses create, drive and activate thriving town centres, which are critical in creating strong and connected local communities."
As stated by Mount Lawley MLA Simon Millman:
"Mount Lawley is one of Perth's most vibrant areas and home to some fantastic cafes, restaurants, and retail stores.
"These small businesses not only help breathe life into our suburbs but strengthen and diversify our economy.
"I encourage every WA shopper to look local first when shopping for gifts this holiday season."
As stated by Small Business Commissioner David Eaton:
"While many of us are looking forward to winding down as we head into the summer break, for a lot of small business owners it is their busiest season.
"After several challenging years, it will make a big difference to our small businesses if Western Australians choose to support them when shopping for gifts, holiday experiences, festive food, entertainment, and services.
"By making a conscious decision to shop with a smaller retailer or service provider this year, you can help ensure we continue to have the option to shop with small businesses well into the future."
