‘TIS the shopping season and this Christmas, Port Stephens Council is encouraging residents to nd keeping their hard-earned dollars in Port Stephens.

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Research undertaken by Council found that for every $100 spent at small businesses in Port Stephens, $60 stays in the local community. In comparison, for every $100 spent online, just $3.50 is estimated to stay in the local economy.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says most people know shopping local is important but may not understand the huge impact it can have on a local economy.

“Every time you spend money, you vote with your dollar. When you shop local, each dollar you spend is a vote for local business, local jobs and local people,” he said.

“This Christmas, we’re working with local retailers across Port Stephens to raise awareness about the value of shopping local.”

“It doesn’t matter if you want to buy a surfboard, pushbike, a dinner for 2 or handmade homewares — it’s all available in Port Stephens,” he said.

Retailers in Nelson Bay will host Twilight Shopping Nights on Thursday 12 and 19 December to make it even easier to shop local this Christmas.

“It’s fantastic to see retailers from Nelson Bay joining forces to create a special experience for shoppers,” Mayor Palmer said.

“There’ll be complimentary gift wrapping, entertainment and for every $20 spent in participating stores, you’ll go in the draw to win a $1000 shopping spree!

“We’re committed to creating better places and better spaces across Port Stephens, and this joint initiative is a great example of a simple way we can make a difference.”

“This Christmas, let’s spread the cheer in Port Stephens by shopping local,” he said.

Josie Collard of Home Interior, Nelson Bay says shopping local has benefits for all.

“When you shop local, it’s a different experience to what you get when you go to a shopping centre,” Ms Collard said.

“We’re very personable, we really get to know our customers. I’ve always wanted our space to feel like a home, which is why we really want to treat our customers like family.”

“We’ve built our business on being local. We all support each other and the positive benefits continue to flow,” she said.