Gold medal Olympians are getting behind the inaugural ‘National Buy Aussie Day’.
The day is aimed at giving local businesses a much needed boost after the challenges thrown over the last 12 months, from droughts to bushfires, floods and global pandemic.
Set to be held next Thursday, October 1, consumers are being called on to spend their hard earned cash at one of the 2.2 million small businesses across Australia.
It’s hoped the day will grow to be nationally recognised annual shopping event, like that of Black Friday sales in the US or Singles Day sales in China, founder Chris White said. Adding that he estimates close to 900,000 businesses were currently reliant on government COVID-19 support, any additional business would be very welcomed by retailers.
“As we grow year on year, hopefully other nations that love Aussie made products, such as the United States and United Kingdom, will also support our National Shopping Day and therefore open more Aussie businesses to global markets,” he said.
“I, like hundreds of thousands of Australians, have a small business that has been impacted throughout 2020, and it is the great unknown that is the scary thing for us all, particularly when income support is wound back.”.
The initiative is backed by gold medallist Beach Volleyballers Kerri Pottharst and Natalie Cook, as well as gold medallist swimmer Grant Hackett.
“Every Aussie can join together next Thursday to help a mate in a small business. It’s the Australian way to support each other during the toughest of times,” Ms Cook said.
“October 1 2000 will be a day that is forever etched in my memory and while we should choose Australian made first when we shop, I hope that October 1 will always be a day when Aussies stop and shop Australian,” added Mr Hackett.