Thirty-eight local businesses have united in a bid to encouraged Singleton residents to look first in Singleton when doing their Christmas shopping.

While it is inevitable that people will shop in Maitland and Newcastle, as much for a day out as anything else, the catalogue is aimed to keep the Christmas dollar in town.

The Singleton Argus manager Vicki Caelli said the catalogue was a high quality publication with a very new, dynamic approach to advertising design.

“We have been able to explore new facets of design because of the high quality, gloss production and the finished product is just fantastic,” Mrs Caelli said.

She praised the talents of graphic artist Julie Walker who was responsible for the publication’s design.

“Julie was able to come up with very unique designs which I believe will make people rethink about some of the stores,” she said.

Singleton Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. president Gill Eason emphasised the importance of people shopping locally at Christmas.

“People say there is no choice in Singleton but when you see this publication you realise there are heaps of choices here,” she said.

“The catalogue looks good, it is eye catching and people should be able to look through it and find something for everyone.”

The catalogue will be inserted into The Singleton Argus this Friday.