So why should I shop local? What are the benefits? What is the trend towards shopping local? Gladly there is a growing propensity to shop local and support the local community.
A recent article in the Fairfax press about the survey by Parmalat dairy company and Michael Morrison, retail trends expert and Retail Course Director at Monash University, found that “80 per cent of Australians shop at least once per week in their local area.” Furthermore, Morrison reports that “Most of the research I’ve seen and been involved with is saying that people want to support their local retailers”.
“Village Economy” is the term Morrison uses to describe the collective of community stores including independent supermarkets, general stores, mixed businesses, bakeries, cafes, petrol and convenience stores. He explains that the “village economy” is unique to every community and that it is important to support and promote the local community. [...]