With only 2 weeks left to holiday shop, now is the time to get out there and shop local!
Supporting local is in its fourth consecutive year, the campaign highlights the benefits of supporting local when gift-giving and planning celebrations during this important time of year for our economy.
There are many ways Calgarians can support local during the holidays, including exploring local shops and services, ordering food and treats for gatherings from local restaurants and bakeries, purchasing locally made products, buying gift cards for a friend or family member from a local spa, salon or recreation facility, and more.
A helpful resource for local shoppers is The City’s directory of 15 Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) in Calgary. These BIAs are home to a variety of amenities and can help shoppers explore options for local businesses to support both within their own neighbourhoods and across other areas of Calgary.
“December is an important month for business owners,” said Erin Chrusch, leader of Business & Local Economy at The City of Calgary. “While we encourage Calgarians to support local throughout the year, for the majority of small businesses in Calgary, this is the season that determines their survival and growth. By supporting local, we’re not only helping these businesses thrive and grow, but we’re also supporting local jobs and workers, and ensuring more money stays in our community.”
Over half of every $100 earned by local businesses ends up recirculating in the Calgary economy making it a win-win for local businesses and Calgarians alike.
There are also non-monetary ways Calgarians can support local businesses, such as leaving positive reviews of places they love on social media and online.
The City wants Calgarians to use the hashtag #SupportLocalYYC to spread the word about local businesses, shops and restaurants they’re supporting this holiday season.
For more information, including helpful tools and resources for local business to help boost their business, Support Local (calgary.ca)
