Local support a gift to region

SHOP LOCAL: Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce president Hayley Neumann encourages people to buy their Christmas gifts in the Limestone Coast this year rather than online or elsewhere to help boost the economy and the region's businesses. Picture: MOLLY TAYLOR

By Molly Taylor

LOOKING local won’t just help you beat unprecedented demand on the nation’s postal service this month but importantly deliver a economic boost to Limestone Coast retailers following a year full of closures, restrictions and hardship.

The Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce is urging all Limestone Coast residents to support their local community and purchase Christmas gifts and supplies to end 2020 on a high.

It comes as Australia Post prepares to deliver an estimated 7.5 million more parcels across the nation this month compared to the same time last year.

While understanding of the freedom of choice, Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce president Hayley Neumann encouraged people to shop in the Limestone Coast where possible this year.

“We have so many amazing places to shop. Every dollar you spend here in town plays a huge role in the economy and sometimes is unique to the rest of Australia as well,” Ms Neumann said.

“Each dollar is spread far and wide, our retailers provide support to the community in many ways so it is time to give back to them.

“If we want them around, we need to shop in them. We don’t want them to leave. Let’s support them and keep them going.”

Ms Neumann said there was always going to be the pressure of online shopping, but online stores did not have the same amount of outgoing costs as storefronts.

“They are able to offer a bigger discount that unfortunately the bricks and mortar stores can’t give,” she said.

“They can give some, but not as much. But, if you buy online, your dollar is gone from the community so let’s shop here.

“Instead of buying online, there’s nothing wrong with buying a physical gift and shipping it off. You know exactly what you’re getting and what you’re gifting.

“Buy it here, wrap and fill it with love, then send it off to your friends and relatives.”

DJ Interiors store owner Christine Try said she had noticed Christmas shopping had started slightly earlier this year and had seen many people out and about.

“A lot of people are taking advantage of the good weather and are getting in early because of the COVID-19 restrictions and knowing the postal services may be a bit under pressure,” Ms Try said.

“All stores in town have so much to offer and you are really helping the local economy, whether it is buying a card or something more expensive.

“Anything you can do to help in whatever shop really helps the business community in Mount Gambier.”

Australia Post offices, including Kingston and Robe, are offering extended trading hours to offer customers more choice and convenience ahead of Christmas.

For national delivery, Australia Post South Australia and Western Australia general manager Donna Vecchio said she encouraged people wanting to ship gifts to family and friends to do so no later than December 12 or before December 19 through Express Post for items to be received in time before Christmas.

Ms Vecchio said traditionally the next few months were the organisation’s busiest period of the year and she expected it would break records.

“The onset of the pandemic brought with it an unprecedented demand for parcels and we have had periods where we’ve been experiencing delays but with the easing of restrictions in Victoria we’ve seen a lot of improvement,” she said.

“While the vast majority of parcels are arriving on time, given these are our busiest times ever, there may be some delays and we’re asking customers for their patience as our dedicated people work tirelessly to get their letters and parcels to them.

“We’re encouraging our customers to send their presents as early as they can, so their letters and parcels have the best chance of arriving in time for Christmas.”