For Venetia Major, shopping locally means supporting local families, including those of her two employees.
17 November 2022
It’s been a life-changing couple of years for Hops and Vine co-owner Cheryl Betts. Her husband – who in partnership with her brother, Shaun, opened the beer and wine store in 2016 – passed away last year, making it difficult to put her full attention into the shop.
Like most, the business was already feeling the impact of both the pandemic and successive La Niñas. They’ve worked hard to innovate – from running gin- and cheese-making classes to hosting food trucks – but it’s been tough.
Now, with the festive season upon us, Cheryl and Shaun are keen to encourage Canberrans to make a conscious choice to support more regional shopping areas like Hall.
“Customers shopping locally keeps us alive,” Cheryl said.
“Our business supports so many nearby suppliers and so it’s nice to come in and shop hands-on – you can’t do that with an online store. Here, you can touch and feel and choose. You can have a free tasting, then make up your own gift hamper.”
Just up the road, Venetia Major – Bespoke Jewellery stocks the works of eight independent jewellers, including some from Canberra.
“People supporting me as a local business means I can do my passion every day,” Venetia said.
She’s found the drop in international travel over recent years has equated to more of a budget, for some, to spend on things like jewellery. Venetia hopes this continues.
“Handmade, locally made jewellery is going to be a beautiful Christmas present for someone you love,” she said.
Across the road, Daughters at Hall’s shelves are stacked with the works of local suppliers, from macrame artists to candle makers. As well as being a café, Daughters supports a lot of small businesses from around the region and owner Jenny Berron does all her own shopping in Hall.
“I go to the post office because it’s also a gift shop. I go to Hops and Vine, and across the road there’s a new craft shop. There’s a cupcake specialist here now, and of course I buy the locally made stuff we source for Daughters at Hall.”
After years of COVID-related challenges, Jenny, too, hopes Canberrans will opt for more regional areas like hers for a unique Christmas gift or relaxed day out.
"When you support a local business,” Cheryl added, “you’re not just supporting us, you’re supporting the winery up the road, for example, and their pickers and their growers. I just think, if you’re shopping locally, you’re helping everybody.”
Cheryl Betts (left) and her colleague Lindy Keefer invite Canberrans to enjoy a tactile Christmas shopping experience at Hops and Vine.
Daughters at Hall’s Christmas cake is made using Jenny Berron’s grandmother’s 60-year-old recipe.
Venetia Major – Bespoke Jewellery encourages local support by stocking the work of independent artists, including some from Canberra.
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