- Western Australians urged to support small and local businesses this holiday season
- Shopping with small businesses boosts local economy and creates jobs
- Cook Government committed to ensuring WA economy remains strongest in the nation
With Christmas around the corner, the Cook Government is encouraging all Western Australians to get behind their local small businesses this festive season.
By making a conscious choice to shop with small businesses this December, WA consumers can help provide an economic boost to the critical small business sector.
There are more than 247,000 small businesses in Western Australia, representing nearly 97 per cent of all businesses in the State, and shopping small for Christmas has a big impact.
The Australian Retailers Association reported that Western Australia has led retail growth for the nation this year, with spending up 6 per cent since the previous period.
Deloitte reports that shoppers expect to spend an average of $425 each on gifts, $323 on experiences, and $254 on non-gift expenditure over the holiday period.
Locally made products, experience-based gifts, and practical items are expected to be popular this Christmas, with small business options available to suit every budget.
Busy shoppers can take advantage of extended retail hours to tick off their Christmas lists while supporting small businesses.
The State Government has approved additional trading hours for general retail shops in the Perth metropolitan area, which are in place from Saturday, 6 December.
For more information on extended Christmas shopping hours around the State, visit: https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/retail-trading-hours .
As stated by Small Business Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The Christmas period is a great time to show appreciation for your local small businesses and the huge contribution they make to our communities and economy.
"There are plenty of ways to support small businesses this Christmas, from shopping at bricks and mortar stores, to buying your gifts from a local Christmas market, booking an experience with a local venue, tourism or wellness provide, or stocking up for Christmas lunch at your local butcher, greengrocer, or small retailer.
"Whether you're shopping for gifts, holiday experiences, festive food, or entertainment, buying from a small business makes a massive difference - so let's all shop small and local this Christmas season."
As stated by Small Business Commissioner Saj Abdoolakhan:
"Christmas is undoubtedly one of the busiest times of the year for a lot of small business owners.
"Our Western Australian small businesses offer a wide range of unique goods and services that make for the perfect Christmas gifts. And by buying from a small business, you are supporting local employment and helping to strengthen the economy.
"As we enjoy time spent with our loved ones, let's support the small businesses that continue to serve our communities throughout the year and the festive period."
