Tamworth Business Chamber’s Think Local, Support Local promotion aims to not only boost the local economy but also measure results to better target future endeavours.

Chamber president Jye Segboer said, “Now, more than ever, local retailers need our support.”

“Local business is the backbone of our community; we need to support them as much as we can,” he said.

“Christmas is already a traditionally hard time for retailers in our region as they compete with major cities and online shopping – add to that the drought and everybody is doing it tough.” 

More than 450 retailers are expected to be involved in the campaign, which will see any purchase of $30-plus eligible to go in the weekly draw to win one of 12 keys to a Honda Jazz, courtesy of Woodley’s Motors.

The 12 winners, announced each week on 88.9FM, will then try their individual keys during the lighting of the Christmas tree in Fitzroy Arcade, and “If the engine starts, you drive away.”

While all Chamber-aligned retailers get free entry into the campaign, they still need to register.

Any business not with the Chamber can register for $100.

Nectar Salon and Gift Shop owner Lisa Smith, who has retailed in Tamworth for 22 years, was the first non-Chamber member to sign up.

She said the decision was simple.

“Who knows what Christmas will bring this year,” she said.

“Anything that keeps spending local in the lead-up to Christmas has to be worth it – I think this will work.

“I would like to see all retail businesses get on board as a community.

“I have been operating since 1996 and have never seen a year like this – we just don’t know what is going to happen.” 

The promotion will run from September 17 until December 6.

Every business that signs up will get two posters and a large decal footpath sticker to guide customers into their stores.

“We want to see more foot traffic in the CBD and the Fitzroy Arcade during this time, so the more businesses that get on board, the better,” Mr Segboer said.