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The week beginning 9 December is Shop Local week.

In the lead up to Christmas, with online retailers and chain stores battling for consumers' money, the community-minded telecommunications company 2degrees is urging Kiwis to focus instead on shopping locally, to support local businesses and strengthen communities.

2degrees has created Shop Local, a campaign encouraging people to back their local businesses, especially coming up to Christmas, which can be a critical time for retailers.  As part of the campaign, on offer is a prize of a $20,000 media spend, to help a deserving local business promote themselves.

"We know local businesses are at the heart of their regions and give it its distinctive spirit," says chief business officer of 2degrees, Andrew Fairgray.  "2degrees understands that it's tough out there for business owners and sometimes it can be tough to free up the cash flow and creative spirit that you need for marketing.  That's why 2degrees is the enabler of this Shop Local campaign, giving a hardworking business the chance to win a 20 thousand dollar advertising package."  

Local businesses in New Zealand increasingly face tough competition from large national and international online retailers and chain stores, which usually offer lower prices and a greater selection.  To ensure local businesses can thrive, shoppers are urged to go the extra mile - or rather stay close to home – and support their town centre retailers during Shop Local week, from Monday 9 December to Sunday 15 December.

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says shopping locally helps strengthen communities by encouraging the growth of local stores, as they connect communities by hiring local staff and building familiarity and trust.

"Town centres are the beating heart of communities," he says.  "Our local retailers and community services are completely dependent on the patronage of local people. If we don't use those retailers and facilities, we will lose them."

Business owners in the regions of Northland, Waikato, Nelson Tasman and North Canterbury are invited to enter the competition for the prize package, at 2degrees.nz/ShopLocal with entries opening 5 November and closing 20 November.  

The community can get involved by looking for the Shop Local logo on Neighbourly and posting supportive comments during the build-up to Shop Local week and by encouraging their favourite business to nominate itself for the Shop Local prize. 

"I know small business owners are time poor and this might feel like one more thing on the to-do list," says Andrew Fairgray. "That's why we've kept the application process simple and straightforward and we'd love to hear from you.  

"2degrees has been proudly powering New Zealand businesses for many years, providing a range of products and services that are designed to let business owners get on with doing what they do best – running their business."

Nominate/encourage businesses to enter by visiting 2degrees.nz/ShopLocal. Nominations will be open from 5 - 20 November.