When walking through a marketplace, a sense of enthusiasm, passion and community is apparent from everyone working or selling there, White’s IGA co-owner Roz White says, adding that, in Brisbane, it could be the Milton farmers market or the James Street Market, both very different in atmosphere and aesthetics but linked by the same desire to provide fresh, quality products and great services.
“There’s something raw and health-giving about marketplace shopping that’s engaging and meaningful, making it purposeful to shoppers and communities,” Ms Roz tells Retail World.
The frequent expansion and evolvement of marketplaces support the ability to provide a range of locally produced products. This factor is especially important within every type of marketplace: the idea of promoting locally grown, sourced and manufactured products.
Aussies enjoy buying Aussie made
Australian Made Campaign CEO Ben Lazzaro points to the domino effect of buying Australian made products.
“When you buy Australian made and Australian grown products, you’re pumping money back into the economy, which helps to keep Aussie jobs, strengthen local industries and support local communities,” he said.
Mr Lazzaro cites a recent study conducted by Roy Morgan that found 80 per cent of surveyed consumers have a preference for Australian made food and beverages, 77 per cent for the country’s agricultural and garden products, 73 per cent for its child and baby care products, 72 per cent for its animal products and pet care, and 65 per cent for its building and renovation materials.
Now more than ever…
Over the past couple of months, new research findings have emerged weekly that indicate the likelihood of economic decline in Australia as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism Australia is encouraging Australians to travel within their state or territory and support local economies. But if travelling isn’t on a consumer’s agenda, buying locally sourced products is regarded as being just as helpful.
This is where marketplaces and retailers come into play, with the stocking and promoting of Australian Made products.
To read more about the marketplace and the role it plays in supporting locally and Aussie made products, head to the latest issue of Retail World magazine.