In the last few
weeks we have seen several iconic local businesses in Central Queensland
announce that they are closing their doors.
Some have been in business for 15, 30+ and 40+ years. All of them offer our local community a
specialist product/service, or simply independent and unique products coupled
with good old fashioned customer service that usually goes hand-in-hand with a
business owned and operated by a local, employing local people.
There are many
reasons why a business simply closes its doors, and it’s not always a “forced”
or sad decision, however, in most cases it does arise out of necessity rather
than choice.
Unfortunately, many
small businesses now find themselves competing with multi-nationals next door
offering low priced products and services, and/or competing with their own
suppliers who sell their goods online to the same customers the local business
is trying to serve! This increased level
of competition is putting a tremendous strain on small business owners.
If the current
trend continues, we will face a future where we will not be able to “go
shopping”! We won’t be able to stroll
through a local store, chat with the shop assistant, touch, feel and try on the
products, and share the experience with friends.
So if you were saddened
to hear that local businesses are closing their doors, or if you want to
preserve your shopping experience, what can you do about it?
Independent, local
businesses need local support. They need
you and I, who live and work in this community to buy from them, to shop here
in our own home town. After all, these
same small businesses offer many of us employment!
So the next time
you are shopping, give a thought to who you are spending your money with. Can you buy the same or similar product or
service from a local, independent business?
Sothertons
Gladstone is a locally owned and operated business, supporting locally owned
and operated small businesses. If we can
support you, please call us on 4972 1300.
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