Aussie families likely to spend on locally made goods this Christmas

A report that delves into the nation’s Christmas buying behaviours has found one in four are likely to check the label of origin of goods.

Spending quality time together will be top priority for Australians this Christmas as statewide restrictions force households to change the way they choose to celebrate.

The IGA Christmas Aisle Index report, which delves into the nation’s Christmas buying behaviours, found that one-third of Australians are planning more intimate celebrations with loved ones at home in the lead-up to the silly season.

While 72 per cent will be doing things differently this year, including not going out (24 per cent) and cutting back on gifts (27 per cent) and travel (21 per cent).

As the upcoming holidays no longer include large extended family gatherings or international getaways, the Fischer family will be opting for a more low-key celebration.

Rebecca and Blake Fischer with their kids Logan and Chloe. Picture: Richard Dobson

“We usually host a Christmas party for our local friends (about 80 people including kids), but now we’re looking at several smaller parties,” Rebecca Fischer says.

When it comes to Christmas shopping this year, the report found 66 per cent of Australians are looking for convenience, 42 per cent want their Christmas spending to benefit local retailers and suppliers and one in four are likely to check the label of origin of goods before purchasing.

“We’ve always tried to buy Australian-made and this year has shown us just how important it is that we do that,” Fischer says.

“We’re lucky to have a fantastic local butcher who has meat which we know is locally sourced and our local greengrocers don’t stock any imported fruits and vegetables.

“Buying locally-made products keeps money in the community, employs local people and keeps the doors of many local producers open for business.”

IGA National Retailer Council chair Joseph Romeo says it’s great to see Australians supporting local businesses and choosing to spend more time together.

Small Business Australia executive director Bill Lang. Picture: Supplied

“Christmas is already a time for bringing people together and recent events have really put things into perspective around what really matters and ultimately that is spending time with our loved ones,” he says.

Small Business Australia executive director Bill Lang says there are ways to help small business owners who are in desperate need of support this Christmas.

“Shop and use the services of the small businesses near where you live, ensure all your fruit and vegetables are brought from Aussie farmers — and if you do buy online, buy from local businesses when you can,” he says.

Support is a valuable commodity at present, as many Australians offer help to those affected by the pandemic through organisations.

In March, Catherine Barrett created a Facebook page called The Kindness Pandemic, which has seen thousands of strangers helping one another with small acts of kindness.

Its recent survey shows 82 per cent of members said being part of the group had improved their mental wellbeing because the stories were so uplifting.

Dr Catherine Barrett started The Kindness Pandemic, which now has over 200,000 members. Picture: Tony Gough

“We have a team of 12 volunteers and we run a new campaign every couple of weeks,” Barrett says.

“Our recent campaign, Finding Strong, focuses on asking people who have been through tough times to share their stories about what strong means to them and how they found their strong.”

Sharon Melamed of business matchmaking site Matchboard reached out to her 20,000 online followers to support a number of charities each month.

“If even a small percentage of small businesses were able to do this, it would make a huge impact on the charities,” she says.

St Vincent de Paul Society NSW chief executive Jack de Groot says the charity expects to see an increased number of people approaching it for help in the lead-up to Christmas.

“Funds raised through our annual Christmas Appeal are vital to help people doing it tough when the rest of the community is fortunate enough to be celebrating,” he says.

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