Shoppers show local support
Largest spring Small Shop event to date sees 119 businesses take part
Downtown Kelowna shops were filled with people browsing and buying local during the Small Shop event on Saturday.
“The purpose of today is to get people outside in the sunshine and experience all the local shops to show our local businesses how much they mean to us,” said Ryan Watters, spokesperson for the Downtown Kelowna Association.
Saturday’s event was the largest spring Small Shop event to date, with 119 businesses participating, said Watters.
“There are a lot of fresh new businesses downtown compared to last spring,” he said.
By promoting local businesses through special offers and free downtown parking, Watters said he hopes Small Shop Saturday events encourage people to come downtown and see what is available.
“It’s our neighbours, it’s our friends and family members that own these shops,” he said. “We’re very fortunate to have so many local shops that are downtown to assist in boosting the local economy.”
Local shops offer a unique shopping experience for residents and visitors, said Angie Bricker, owner of Georgie Girl on Ellis Street.
“Downtown Kelowna does not have cookie cutter retailers,” she said.
“Ninety per cent of the shops are independent retailers that get up every morning and try to make something happen that’s different and unique and fun for the Okanagan. That’s what brings visitors here, and that’s what keeps Kelowna happy shopping.”
Shopping at locally owned businesses also benefits the local economy, said Ken Jack, owner of Simply Computing on Pandosy Street.
“It keeps money in the community,” he said. “Local people come in and spend their money here; I’m taking that (and) paying my employees, and then we go and spend our money locally as well.”
The next downtown Kelowna Small Shop Saturday event will occur on Oct. 21 to celebrate fall and small business month.
“We love when people come and support local,” said Watters.