You are currently viewing How to buy regional this Christmas

How to buy regional this Christmas

08 December 2020

Seeking great Christmas gifts? Buy regional (and here’s how)

Small businesses have been doing it tough this year – especially those in rural or regional areas. Many were already struggling with the drought, but the bushfires and Covid-19 pandemic have brought extra financial pressures.

The good news is some businesses have launched online or grown their business during the pandemic. According to figures from a spokesperson for the Department of Education, Skills and Employment: “As at October 2020, women who operated their own business made up 12.3% of the 6.0 million employed Australian women.”

In the past year, governments have implemented a range of initiatives to support small businesses which may no doubt help. However, we can all do our bit to help business survive by buying from Australian owned and run companies whenever we can- even better if they happen to be regionally based where drought, natural disaster and COVID-19 have taken a toll across the past year. In the spirit of Christmas, here are a few women-run – mainly regional – businesses and initiatives you can shop with right now.

Mink and Me

Owner Lucy Moss originally had a dream – to provide beautiful homewares, clothing and gifts to Coonamble locals and beyond, with an emphasis on supporting local talent. And this North West NSW business has grown into more than a store – it’s also a café and more. Shop here: minkandme.com.au

Little Black Duck

Aboriginal artist Ashleigh Pengelly runs her small business out of regional Wagga Wagga and it’s a treasure trove of artworks, prints, hand-painted teapots, terracotta pots, Aboriginal candles, beautiful greeting cards and more. Shop here: www.littleblackduckaus.com

Tyde

A focus on Aussie design and ethically-sourced products are at the heart of Sophie Jones’ stylish boutique in Cowes on Philip Island. If you can’t make it there in person, shop online – they sell everything from kids toys to bags and wallets, body products, hats, jewellery, books and homewares. Shop here: tyde.com.au

Licorice Moon Studios

Artist Eve Simmons creates exquisite handmade ceramics from her Buderim home on the Sunshine Coast – you’ll find gorgeous spotted plates, glazed mugs, hanging pots and even ceramic bells at her website. Shop here: www.liquoricemoonstudios.com

birdsnest

Living in the country town of Cooma, owner and ‘big bird’ Jane Cay had long dreamed of running an online store from the country that was unique and inspired confidence in women. These days it’s a hub of fashion brands, styling advice, outfit inspo and sizes for all body types. Shop here: www.birdsnest.com.au

Pleasant State

Starting a business during a pandemic might give any entrepreneur pause, but that’s just what Ami Bateman and Sian Murray did! The QLD-based owners of this startup sell innovative, non-toxic home cleaning products that really do live up to the old saying, ‘just add water’. Shop here: www.pleasantstate.com

3 great female-run retail initiatives

Why Leave Town Gift Card

This great initiative created by Narrabri local Ashley Watt has now spread to more than 20 regions of NSW. It’s a great way to support participating businesses across the region – and dare we say, a brilliant stocking stuffer for those planning a little road trip in the region. Why Leave Town gift card

Spend with Us

Central Coast web designer Sarah Britz and rural Victoria-based psychologist Lauren Hateley started this initiative to help support rural and regional small businesses in bushfire-affected communities. They joined forces with Jenn Donovan, who founded Buy From A Bush Business – and you can browse the site’s many stores or invest in a gift card. www.spendwithus.com.au

Buy From The Bush

Initially, BFTB was created as an Instagram account by NSW farmer Grace Brennan, as a way to showcase beautiful items to buy from rural communities facing drought. A year on, it’s now a thriving platform of stores that’s had a huge impact on rural small businesses, generating millions in revenue. Shop here: www.buyfromthebush.com.au

We hope we’ve given you some great shopping ideas for the coming festive season. Shop on.

Published by Ruby Connection.  Click here to read the original article: https://rubyconnection.com.au/insights/economy/supporting-regional-economies-this-christmas

Leave a Reply