VICTORIA Armstrong doesn’t have time to be fussy about fashion.
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“Nearly every weekend I’m at the races,” Ms Armstrong said.
The fashionista prides her track-ready wardrobe on Ballarat stores and designers.
“Most of the time I do buy local,” the Country Racing Victoria director said. “People have supported my business and I support them.”
This spring racing carnival, Ms Armstrong and Commerce Ballarat are calling on residents to do the same.
Ms Armstrong shops at a number of Ballarat stores, with some phoning her when an item is in stock.
“Anyone can have the same sort of relationship,” she said.
Commerce Ballarat chief executive Jodie Gillett said there was a belief that better products were located outside of Ballarat.
“Purchasing outside of town has always been a major issue in Ballarat,” Ms Gillett said. “We are trying to encourage purchasing locally, and not just for spring carnival.”
Ms Gillett said Ballarat’s retail sector largely contributed to the local economy.
“Retailers pay substantial commercial rates that support our city and ... employ our citizens,” Ms Gillett said. “It is important for citizens to look at what they are purchasing and think about where their dollars are spent.”
As for Ms Armstrong’s hot tip for the track?
“Keep it simple,” she said.
kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au