The Mayor's Column
Have you heard the expression “retail clone”? It is the death knell for many small businesses in country towns. Huge companies or franchises appear with warehouse dimensions, vast buying powers and slick marketing strategies. Small family businesses which might have operated through generations, with the storehouse of knowledge thus accumulated, cannot compete and they go under. The impact on these local business people and the wider community is quite devastating. Some local councils in rural areas have called for a ban on these mega stores. I can’t see it happening.
The impact of these huge retail businesses in a city the size of Sydney is less obvious, yet suburbs such as Mosman need to be aware of the drawing power of these supremos, often attracting business away from our local shopping area.
We are so lucky in Mosman to have the quality of retail outlets and services that we do. There are local business precincts with their own special characteristics. Our gourmet foods, restaurants and cafes, our fashion, beauty care, jewellery, books, homewares, and every service a community needs are all within easy walking distance. We have adequate parking, with Vista Street and Mosman Caché parking areas under utilised.
Mosman business areas have a special character and charm, with Military Road a heritage precinct and heritage listed shops in Avenue and Spit Roads. Council plans to improve the amenity even further with a new planting scheme and street furniture.
We are attracting shoppers from many other areas as we are seen as a special destination.
So, my message for 2007 is ‘Shop Locally’. Support your local retailers and enjoy the quality personal service that local business gives.
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman
