The local community is being urged to support local businesses in the lead up to Christmas.

The Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce is encouraging people to shop locally rather than order online as a way of boosting the local business community.

“The chamber has always been a big advocate for people to shop local,” President Hayley Neumann said.

“Over the last six months, due to COVID-19, our local businesses have taken a hit and we’d really love for our community to shop and support local in the lead up to Christmas more than ever before.

“We have some amazing retailers in our central business district and shopping centres who are waiting for you to come in so they can help you choose a book, find an outfit for your Christmas party or the present for that tricky relative who has everything.”

Ms Neumann said there were huge benefits for the community as a whole by making a committed effort to support local businesses.

“Even while shopping for Christmas rather than going online, paying postage and buying from outside our community why not buy an experience such as a voucher from one of our amazing restaurants or cafés, a gym membership, a book of movie tickets or bowling for the kids,” she said.

“Every dollar that is spent here in the Limestone Coast goes so far and helps keep our region going.

“These businesses are always supporting our local sporting and community groups so it’s time we supported them too.”