November 21, 2012
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is reminding local shoppers of the benefits of shopping locally in the wake of the Click Frenzy website crash.
The website promoting bargain deals from more than 190 retailers was launched amongst much fanfare last night but collapsed leaving online shoppers disappointed.
Mr Chester said bargain hunting was important to families in the lead-up to Christmas but ‘Putting Locals First’ had direct benefits for consumers such as quality advice and follow-up service.
“The combined impacts of online shopping and travelling to Melbourne to buy Christmas presents is threatening the long-term viability of small businesses in our region,” Mr Chester said.
“Quality service and after-sales support is something businesses right throughout Gippsland pride themselves on.
“We need to stop the leakage of dollars out of our region and support the local businesses which underpin our local economy.
“Every dollar you spend in Gippsland stays in Gippsland.”
Mr Chester said buying Christmas presents locally also had positive flow-on impacts for the community such as creating jobs, strengthening the economy and benefits for local community groups and sporting clubs.
“The retail sector is one the largest employers of young people in our region the engine room of the Gippsland economy, so it makes sense that we should buy our Christmas presents locally,” Mr Chester said.
“I encourage Gippsland residents to consider ‘Putting Locals First’ this Christmas.”