Rediscovering local businesses
In many parts of Australia big corporations have all but swallowed up local shops. Mary Morgan hopes that small business will again become an integral part of the community which will in turn boost local economy and jobs.
As one who has grown up and lived in cities all of my life, I have become accustomed to the large supermarket chains and shopping centres. This, for the most part, has satisfied my wants and needs but as I am getting older, I find that I am missing the personal experience that smaller businesses often offer.
A prime example is an experience at I had earlier in the year when I was shopping for a dress for my wedding. My daughter and I scoured our local mall and despite the many dress shops there I was unable to find suitable clothing for the event. I went with my daughter the following day to Maitland to one of the boutiques, and the staff there couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful. I found my dress with a bonus of being 40% off, so I was stoked.
The experience helped me to take stock and realise how big business has swallowed up the little man. The small business owners are just like everyone else, trying hard to make a living and they face an uphill battle with the monopoly that large corporations have. In many ways, I believe that small business in Australia needs a boost and needs to be recognised for their efforts in contributing to the local economies and employment. I do support local businesses such as my local butcher (their quality of meat and service keep bringing me back) and would love to see more local businesses grow. I find that the experience is generally more personal and the staff are generally far more accommodating with their customers.
I just wonder if the quest for the almighty dollar has blinded upper management of big corporations to the importance of looking after their employees and providing quality service to the public sector. It is after all, their frontline staff and the customers who have enabled them to be in their positions of power.
We all need to take stock and realise that bigger is not always the best option; often it is the small guy who has the most to offer.
Mary Morgan is the mother of two daughters and grandmother of one girl. She has recently married her current partner after being with him for 19 years and could not picture being with anyone else. She is a qualified horticulturist and has worked as an aged care nurse. Mary believes in living life to the fullest. Life is short so we may as well enjoy it.
