Tropical Cyclone Alfred is bringing opportunity and local support for our local businesses as they begin to pack up for the rising flood levels later in the week.

Yesterday, in South Lismore, there were cars lined up down Union Street for 500 metres in both directions as the Lismore Garden Centre held a Flash 50% Off Sale for their plants.

It is on again today.

The reason is not to take advantage of a coming flood, but to reduce stock, so there is less to move or less will be destroyed either by water or destructive gale force winds.

Bi-Rite and Furniture Court on Molesworth Street are also holding a Floor Clearance Sale for this reason.

The Enchanted Florist on Magellan Street has 50% of their gift items this week to save packing, they can even deliver.

The Northern Rivers Hotel have started packing up their bottle shop, and is encouraging locals to shop downtown to save owners and managers a lot of time in the packing process.

If you were thinking about purchasing plants, a fridge, a microwave, a bed, a lounge or something for Mother's Day, get into the CBD or South Lismore to help save local businesses time on their flood pack up.

As we have experienced before, there has been some panic buying at supermarkets. Bread, eggs and vegetables were priorities as the shelves emptied at Lismore Square and Goonellabah.