GOING OUT: Statistics reveal that we’re spending more money on entertainment outside of our homes. Cassandra Hall, Jenna Stephens and Vincent Warner believe coffee at Gloria Jeans provides them with a great social outlet. Photo: Steve Gosch 0122sgeatout
Entertainment plays a huge role in Orange’s culture.
And according to the latest statistics revealed in the Roy Morgan Research findings, it seems this has never been more truthful.
However, there’s been a significant shift in the way we spend money on entertainment.
The long term trend for entertaining at home expenditure has remained stable in Australia over the past 12 months, but spending on going out has increased markedly in the past year.
On average, adults spend more than $72 a week on entertainment outside of the household. At home, the average dips to just $42 per week.
Orange Business Chamber’s Tony Healey believes residents spend more out of the home because of the great options available in our backyard.
“These latest results show that businesses in Orange and surrounding areas have a great product to present to people in the central west with the promotion of food and entertainment this area has it all,” he said.
“When friends visit you want to show them our great food and entertainment venues - no wonder people spend more money being entertaining out then at home.”
Industry communications director of Roy Morgan Research Norman Morris said the statistics revealed that 18 to 24 year olds spend considerably more than they did a year ago.
“This recent increase in the amount Australians spend on going out is evident among all adults over the age of 18 in Australia,” he said.
“Eighteen to 24 year olds in particular spend the most and considerably more than they did a year ago. However, during this period, Australians below the legal drinking age spent comparably less than they did in 2011.”
He revealed that life circumstances played a huge role in the amount spent in and out of the household.
“While there has been a sizeable increase in expenditure outside of the home, the amount spent by people in each group is also noticeably different,” he said.
“For example, when Australians enter their 20s, the amount they spend going out steadily declines. Once they form relationships and have families their priorities and lifestyles change and most of their entertaining is centred around their home.”
Mr Morris believes this trend is a boost for the local economy.
“This uplift in consumer spending on going out is a welcome and encouraging sign for the economy and particularly relevant for entertainment industries, whether it’s in or out of the home,” he said.