Last weekend’s Lights by the Lake opening signifies the unofficial start of the holiday season in the community.
The next month is the busiest time of the year for most retailers, but these days, their biggest competition is not the neighbouring store. It’s the online offerings from abroad.
BC Buy Local Week runs Nov. 27 through Dec. 3 this year — an annual celebration recognizing the importance of local businesses to our economy.
Shopping locally has a true trickle-down effect. Employers benefit. Employees benefit. The recipients of the purchases benefit. It’s a win-win-win scenario.
According to bcbuylocal.com, the average Canadian spends approximately $1,600 on travel, food, drinks and gifts during the holidays. If even 10 per cent of that — just $150 — is spent at a local business, or a locally grown or locally made product, it keeps money circulating in communities and keep good jobs in B.C.
So when you start planning your Christmas shopping, consider buying locally. If you see something online you really want, just check to see if a local business offers that item.
Even if you insist on doing all your shopping online, chances are a local business can help you in that regard as well.
Consider taking a stroll through the community before scrambling online and buying from a website of a company that’s never even heard of Agassiz-Harrison.
Christmas is a great time to support each other by spending locally. That’s what community is all about.
— Black Press Media