Kärnten initiative urges consumers to shop locally

An initiative by the St. Veit office of the Chamber of Commerce aims to promote regional shopping and counter the flow of money to international online retailers, ORF Kärnten reported. It was presented on Tuesday to the mayors of the St. Veit and Feldkirchen districts.

Walter Sabitzer, head of the Chamber of Commerce office in St. Veit, said consumers should spend their money where they live and work to support local businesses, families, employees and infrastructure. He said purchasing decisions could influence future development.

According to the initiative, two thirds of online purchases in Austria go to companies outside Europe, resulting in purchasing power leaving Carinthia, Austria and Europe. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of local economic activity.

Information campaigns are planned in schools to encourage young people to support local retailers by spending their money locally instead of buying from large online companies. The wider population will also be encouraged to shop locally. Sabitzer said products including food, sports equipment and electronics could be bought from domestic businesses.