Chapel Hill business urges people to shop locally as they prepare to close

It will come too late to help her family, but this young Brisbane woman has issued a desperate plea for people to support small businesses or risk more of their favourite shops closing their doors.

Millie Beckinsale has urged people to support local business on the eve of her family deli's closure.

A BRISBANE student has made an emotional plea for people to support local business as her family prepares to shut the doors this week on its popular suburban deli and cafe.

Millie Beckinsale’s family operates Simon’s Gourmet Gallery at Chapel Hill and announced yesterday that the business is due to close permanently on Friday.

“When you choose to purchase anything locally, you are contributing not only to the wages of local staff and suppliers, but the family behind the business,” she wrote online.

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“The money that went into our business helped pay for mine and my sister’s education, for the roof over our heads, the clothes we wear, involvement in sports teams, wisdom teeth surgery, the list goes on,” she said.

“When that money is spent elsewhere at large chains or multinationals, who knows where it ends up - likely in the pocket of someone who isn’t struggling to pay their next bill.”

Inside Simon's Gourmet Gallery at Chapel Hill.

Almost a year ago, Ms Beckinsale made a sadly prophetic plea about the family deli on its Facebook page as she begged people to support local businesses.

“Often you don’t realise how much you love/appreciate/need something until it is gone,” she wrote last year.

“I have experienced the highs and lows of being directly involved in a small business and having your entire family’s livelihood depend on it. The thrill of receiving a raving five star review one day, then watching your dad look at the day’s figures with a look of sheer defeat the next.”

“Everyone is so happy and willing to go to franchise supermarkets and cafes, spend hundreds of dollars at these locations, then watch the local businesses slowly fall apart and say ‘what a shame, that was such a good little shop’ when it has to close its doors.”

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Ms Beckinsale’s post had over 500 likes on Facebook last year, but it failed to translate into the support the business so badly needed.

She said the money from their business was recycled into the local economy, supporting local suppliers and farmers.

“But few seem to consider this when Woolworths, Coles or Aldi appears more convenient and affordable,” she said.

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Ms Beckinsale said the family had adjusted their prices to be competitive, brought in new and unique products, created wholesome meals and supplied quality produce

“But it wasn’t quite enough to keep us afloat,” she said.

“We have had many fantastic, loyal staff, customers and people that have become friends - thank you for your support,” she said.

“To those who haven’t thought much about supporting local - I challenge you to give it a go.”