Francesca’s founder and co-owner Hannah Vasicek knows better than most the value of supporting local businesses.
She and her sister Rachel started making their own jewellery in their early teens, before selling their products at Salamanca Market when Hannah was just 16.
Now Francesca is a household name in Hobart, employing more than 80 staff with stores in the CBD and Melbourne, and a strong international online presence while still producing much of its products in the capital.
Hannah (pictured below) is a strong believer that her story would not have had the outcome without her loyal, local customers, which then has flow on benefits for the community.
"Not only are you supporting local businesses and setting them up for the year ahead economically, but you will also be supporting a lot of local employees so it's amazing to support local," Hannah said.
"You can do those little things by walking around the streets of Hobart, engaging with the staff there, asking a bit about the businesses because there are so many amazing Hobart businesses around.
"So, if you actually get on the streets and walk around making that purchase there rather than some of the bigger international brands it is going to make such an impact to so many more people than you realise."
A recent study by University of Tasmania retail expert Dr Louise Grimmer showed Hobart's CBD had a very healthy shop vacancy rate of just 5.89 per cent.
Hannah described the economic year as challenging, but fellow Hobartians can help smooth rough waters.
"Trade's been up and down, we're definitely a lot more volatile than previous years," she said.
"I think that people are obviously being a lot more held back with their spending and then making more deliberate purchases.
"But in saying that, we do know that everyone's super excited for the crazy Christmas rush and people are still buying for gifting, which is amazing."
Hobart City Economy Committee Chair Louise Bloomfield Hobart’s local businesses offer unique products and retail friendly experiences.
"I love shopping local as you get to know the retailers personally who in turn can know you well enough to recommend the things they know you will like - which helps the shopping experience," Ald Bloomfield said.
"There is also an abundance of shops who sell goods unique to Hobart which is a great way to surprise your mainland friends and family.
"I strongly recommend making a day of it - shopping in Hobart's CBD, exploring all the new places and goods on offer for this Christmas.
"Keeping sales local means wages for locals and more money circulating through our local economy - what is there not to love?"