Shops and other small businesses - whether they offer products, services, or both - tend to employ the local people.

On top of that, a lot of smaller independent businesses, and even plenty of franchise or dealer outlets, are actually owned by local people too.

Buying local is also handy whenever you need after-sales support.

Plenty of these local organisations also give back to the community in some way, be it through supporting charitable organisations, sponsorship of local sporting or community groups

Friday will be a great chance to shop locally. Not only will you be able to grab yourself a bargain but you will be supporting the community too.

Most of the shops will have mechanise out on the street and it's always a great atmosphere.

Here are some great tips on what you can expect to find on the day.

K&A Boutique

If you are a lover of fashion, be sure to check out K&A Boutique. They have quality, affordable ladies clothes available in sizes from small to plus size.

Fay Eakin is looking forward to seeing the street filled with shoppers and is busy getting ready the $5, $10 and $20 racks to place outside her store.

The racks will be crammed with tops, pants, knitwear and more.

Inside the store, you will find plenty of half-price winter stock.

Fay's top tip for shoppers looking for a bargain is to get in early.

Tracies Gifts & Homeware

There will be savings galore at Tracies Gifts & Homeware. Sales tables will be packed with lots of bits and pieces including body products, kitchenware, homeware, jewellery and much more.

There will be lots of great deals to be found in the store too.

"It's never to soon to start shopping for Christmas," says Vanessa Smailes. "It's best to get in early."

And with just 18 weeks to go until Santa arrives, she's not wrong.

So if you need to buy a gift, you are sure to find something perfect here at a price that will delight.