Wee Waa Chamber of Commerce push for promotion of ‘shop local’

Wee Waa Chamber of Commerce will develop a strategy to boost local business with a ‘Shop in Wee Waa’ campaign.

Last Wednesday’s Chamber meeting discussed the need to encourage support for local stores and ways of achieving that aim.

The result is that a consultant, in conjunction with chamber members, will be asked to prepare a strategy designed to bring more shoppers to local stores not only from within the Wee Waa district but from further afield.

Wee Waa is home to innovative and well stocked stores.

However, as with many country towns, local potential customers can travel to other centres to buy a product and while there tend to undertake a more comprehensive shopping trip.

The chamber’s aim is to retain local shoppers and attract ‘out of town’ customers.

The recent closures of two banks have been a blow to the community, but there are other positive signs for the future.

New stores are opening or expanding and several local businesses have employed new apprentices, a vote of confidence in the town.

Good seasonal conditions and the expectation of industrial developments in Narrabri Shire industry, with spin offs for Wee Waa, are offering encouraging prospects. Investors have targeted Wee Waa as a destination with house purchases.

Wee Waa Chamber of Commerce is taking a lead in looking forward and aims to create a positive agenda.

“One of the elements we need to address is to encourage residents that shopping locally is in everyone’s interests,” said chamber president Ann- Maree Galagher.

“People need to understand what the benefits are and the flow on effects of supporting our local businesses – and explain what it means if we don’t support local businesses.

“We will be contacting a consultant and will be looking to educate people as to the importance of shopping locally and encourage people to come and shop here.

“There is a flow on effect for employment and more.”