In the new year, make spending your hard-earned cash in Leeton shire a priority

However, for those who still do have some money leftover after the big Christmas season spend or even those who have need to shop - think birthday presents, back to school, "treating yourself" or myriad other reasons - the temptation to also spend online is always present.

But, as many who own their own retail business or any other kind of enterprise in Leeton shire, spending those hard-earned dollars in Leeton shire means so much more than one thinks.

Here's five reasons why:

Money spent in Leeton, typically stays in Leeton.

Every single time you spend money at a Leeton business, the economy here gives a big smile.

With so many businesses in Leeton shire owned by residents who live here, the money they are earning goes towards keeping their families afloat - it's all one big circle. Spending your money with a business in Leeton helps keep these doors open, families to thrive and the town to remain vibrant.

If these businesses have to close and people move out-of-town, that is a big cross against Leeton's name.

Spending your money online has little benefit to people actually living in Leeton.

Sure, when online shopping you might be able to "chat" with someone virtually if you have questions.

But more often than not, if something goes wrong when online shopping, it's a hassle to get it fixed.

Items can be faulty, the wrong one can be sent, sizes incorrect - the list goes on.

If you've bought something in town, it's easy to pop into the shop and talk to someone face-to-face if there is an issue.

It's a similar situation if you're in a shop and need help or a question answered. You're getting a response straight away and customer service is always something businesses in town pride themselves on.

If you own or work in a small business in Leeton shire, chances are you have heard this one muttered to you on occasion.

The thing is, you might think the item you're after might not be available in Leeton, but have you actually asked a store in town?

Chances are a business in town will be happy to source what you are after and still provide it at a decent cost.

It's win-win, ask the question and everyone wins.

Sure, people might look at online shopping and see it as being the easier option, but when you break it down shopping in store in Leeton really isn't tough.

Most of the time if you are lucky, you'll nab a park right in front of the shop you're after - if not a few metres away (and if that fails, don't forget about the ample parking in Sycamore Street - see it as a way to get those steps up).

So, the shop is right there, you haven't had to sit in traffic in order to get there, the people inside are friendly, you're helping them as much as they are helping you, there's no shipping cost - in fact if you're looking for a birthday present - chances are the gift might even be wrapped for you - so where's the inconvenience?

The simple fact is, we're all strapped for time, but by shopping local you're getting your item in your hand without fuss and it hasn't taken a whole lot of effort to do so.

Plus, think of the coffee you could grab along the way, the friend you might run into that you haven't seen in a while or a quick five minutes to yourself.

Ever heard the term buyer's remorse? It's likely more prevalent when shopping online.

Did you really need that extra pair of shoes? Those three jumpers in three different colours that you've just purchased online?

Sure, it's easy to go a little crazy in store as well, but at least if you spend a little more than usual, you know the owner is doing a little happy dance when you leave because hey, you've just helped them pay a bill or buy their shopping for the week.

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