Shop Parkes Christmas campaign wrap up

Published on 02 February 2023

Parkes Shire Council in partnership with the Parkes Chamber of Commerce delivered the 2022 Shop Parkes Christmas campaign, focusing on promoting the benefits shopping locally has on our community as well as highlighting the diverse selection of local retailers in our Shire.

The campaign, which commenced in late November and ended on Christmas Eve, also aimed to decrease the need or desire to shop online and reduce expenditure outside the region. 

Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM said, "It was so pleasing to see such strong business participation across the Parkes Shire with over 70 stores actively engaging with the campaign, over 100 businesses promoting the campaign in-store, and a 3 per cent increase in Shop Parkes Gift Card redemption stores from 98 to 106 stores, as a result of the campaign.

"After an especially difficult end to last year for many people affected by the flooding in November both within and outside of the Shire, it was great to see a continued show of support for each other by keeping our shopping dollars locally, benefiting the wider community," said Cr Keith.

The Shop Parkes Gift Card Program has seen great success and value for the Parkes Shire over the past couple of years. Since its inception in December 2018, there has been $502,953 loaded onto Shop Parkes Cards and $396,033 redeemed, leaving $106,920 ready to be spent within over 100 local redemption stores.

The campaign included a 12 Days of Christmas Competition encouraging spend within the Parkes Shire over the first 12 days of December to go in the draw to win one of 12 $100 Shop Parkes Gift Cards. This campaign was a huge success with over 457 entrants, 106 active redemption stores and 59 entries from residents outside the Parkes Shire.  

One of the other ways local businesses were invited to participate in the campaign, was to dress up their shop windows with festive lights and gift ideas. Parkes Shire Councillor Bill Jayet praised the efforts of our local businesses in helping to create a festive atmosphere.

Cr Jayet said, "It was fantastic to see so many local businesses join in the celebrations by decorating their shopfronts and supporting the Shop Parkes Christmas campaign.

"It's little the things that enhance our residents' shopping experience, especially at Christmas time. When combined with the wonderful lighting activations across the Shire, it made for a truly festive environment," added Cr Jayet.

Shop Parkes Gift Cards are the perfect gift all year round for that hard to buy for friend, family member or colleague. They also provide a great solution for organisation gifts and staff incentives. There is no cost for the card and gift cards can be spent at over 100 participating businesses in the Parkes Shire.

Are you a local business who would like to be involved? Contact the friendly team at Parkes Shire Council to find out more via shop@parkes.nsw.gov.au.

Find out more about the Why Leave Town program here.