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Christmas shoppers are being encouraged to support local businesses during the last week of Christmas shopping.

Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Jamie Cox said people should consider where their money was going.

‘‘Spending our dollars locally can have a big impact on the local economy and the future of our community,’’ he said.

Mr Cox said many online retailers’ deadlines for presents to arrive before Christmas had already passed, but local businesses would have most products in stock.

‘‘If you want it under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning, you need to shop local,’’ he said.

Shepparton Show Me committee chairman Michael Polan said shopping locally was important during the Christmas period.

‘‘It’s most important that we support local business for local employment,’’ the City of Greater Shepparton councillor said.

‘‘Why travel out of the region for goods you can get locally?’’

Shepparton Show Me is also running a Show Ho Ho Me Christmas Quizza, where Goulburn Valley shoppers have the chance to answer trivia questions in a Christmas game show to win prizes from local businesses.

The mobile quiz is at locations in Shepparton until next Monday at 10.30am and 12.30pm.

For those who may have left their shopping to the last minute, Shepparton businesses have been encouraged to offer extended trading hours in the lead-up to Christmas.

The chamber’s recommended trading hours for the lead-up to Christmas are 9am to 9pm on Friday, 9am to 4pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Stores are also encouraged to trade until 9pm tomorrow and Monday; check with individual stores for specific trading hours.

Mr Cox hoped the extended hours would give families more time to prepare for Christmas and shop locally.

For a list of the mobile quiz locations, visit www.sheppartonshowme.com.au