Editor’s note: Buy NZ made
As Christmas draws ever closer, retail therapy often increases, so it is timely to think about what you’re buying, and to support local, and New Zealand-made.
Big business may arguably be the backbone of New Zealand retail, yet it is small businesses that are the heart, and there is no doubt many of these are suffering.
Several data points paint an unfavourable picture for small businesses in the lead up to Christmas this year. Company liquidations are up 40% on the same period last year and online retailers currently have the highest rate of business failure (Centrix).
According to RetailNZ, just 57% of retailers are feeling confident or very confident that their retail business will survive the next 12 months.
Small business sales figures have declined for the first time in two years (Xero), and just under 70% of New Zealand businesses think that the next 12 months are going to be tougher than the last 12 months, according to MYOB.
Many small businesses are optimistic about what the new Government will bring, but lowering inflation won’t happen overnight. We can all help in the meantime, especially in the mad rush to Christmas, filling stockings, sorting presents, and stocking the pantry.
Many small businesses rely on the Christmas trading period to survive and thrive, so show them some love and support them by choosing to buy New Zealand-made products.
Christchurch, and the pages of Metropol, are full of local businesses who value your support, invest in the local economy, and give back to their local communities. Check them out as a first resort, not a last.
