The COVID-19 pandemic, bushfires and drought formed a triple whammy for many businesses.

Shoppers, with Christmas fast-approaching, can do their bit to continue to support the region's businesses when it comes to presents and celebrations.

Bird and Earth owner and founder Romi Scriven said buying local in the lead-up to Christmas would have a ripple effect.

"We need the support of local trade," she said.

"Be town proud and support those who are having a go in tough times and unstable times."

The small business owner encouraged Christmas shoppers to support those business people who had the courage to keep going.

Ms Scriven, who started her Port Macquarie-based natural skincare business more than four years ago, took the opportunity during the pandemic to relaunch Bird and Earth with new branding.

Skye Petho of Arthouse Industries agreed spending money locally had a flow-on effect.

"If you shop locally this year, you will pass it forward throughout the community," she said.

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Ms Petho said if shoppers couldn't decide what gift to buy, consider a gift voucher or consider buying an experience such as a cruise or a zoo pass.

Businesses needed the community to support them now, she said, if they wanted the businesses to be here in the future.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's acting group manager economic and cultural development Amanda Hatton stressed how important community support of local businesses had been and how important it would continue to be leading into the Christmas season.

"I think it's more important than ever coming into the Christmas period for it to be top of mind for people to support local businesses," she said.

Ms Hatton cited the benefits of buying local as keeping businesses open, supporting employment and the multiplier effect in terms of economic activity.

Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce president Michael Mowle said the chamber had recently promoted "buy local" and it was especially important that shoppers supported the retailers in Port Macquarie and the nearby centres.

"This year has been tough for many and the upcoming Christmas season is a great opportunity for building on our recovery," he said.

"Spending in town ensures every dollar creates a multiplier effect as it circulates throughout our economy."

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