In the lead-up to Christmas last year, Moree Chamber of Commerce, Moree Plains Shire Council and Tourism Moree launched a Christmas shopping guide.

The chamber also encouraged local businesses to extend their trading hours during a late night shopping event and weekends leading up to Christmas as part of a push to encourage Christmas shoppers to shop local.

Moree Chamber of Commerce treasurer Dibs Cush said the promotion was a success, with most retailers happy with the Christmas period.

“The Christmas Shopping Guide enabled us to showcase the many and varied businesses in Moree, from retail stores to cafes and hospitality venues to service providers,” she said. 

“I think people were surprised at the range of businesses, and the fact almost all of these offered some type of incentive to shop locally was well received. 

“We showed you do not necessarily need to leave town to find Christmas gifts for very member of the family.  

“The late night shopping event was extremely successful and we already have plans to make it bigger and better in 2018. 

“Having extended hours trading, especially on the weekends also enabled people to be able to shop outside of the normal shopping times.”

Ms Cush said businesses were buoyed by Moree locals choosing to shop local during this Christmas period which was reflected in sales figures.

“It has been a difficult year for the town on a number of levels, and not the best season from an agricultural point of view, so to have that local support is extremely important for local retailers,” she said.

Despite the successful Christmas period, business was tough for many retailers throughout last year.

“I think most businesses are feeling the pinch in some way - there are so many influences that can have a negative impact, and many we don't have any control over, like weather and subsequent harvest results,” Ms Cush said.

“That's why it is so important to choose to support local when you can.”