Shop Local - Support Local message is even more important during pandemic
The importance of shopping locally and supporting the livelihoods of friends and neighbours was a key message during a discussion at the Swift Current City Council meeting on November 30.
Swift Current and District Chamber of Commerce CEO Karla Wiens attended council’s virtual meeting to highlight the importance of supporting local instead of turning to large online retailers who do not have a community presence.
“Our local business owners are not unknown, faceless folks in an office somewhere else. These people are our friends, family members, neighbours, and they provide jobs for our friends, family members and neighbours. These people support our kid’s sports teams with donations or sponsorships. These people will also often support our local charitable organizations and fund-raising activities. These people need us now,” Wiens said during her presentation to council.
She noted the Chamber is currently advocating for a December of shopping locally and seeing what businesses in your own community have to offer.
“This upcoming month, and every month, when making any kind of purchase, your local Chamber and myself encourage you all to think of a local business first.”
“Our goal is always to remind people about the importance of out local business community and how we can work together to promote their success.”
Wiens noted that earlier in the pandemic local store owners did not enjoy closing their doors, laying off their staff, altering their daily operations, and they do not enjoy the uncertainty they are facing now and into the future.
She said local retail businesses continue to operate safely under the existing public health orders and remain open with the familiar precautions in place.
“Wear a mask. Clean your hands. Stay distanced from others. This is a very small inconvenience that all of us can do and use and utilize to ensure that our local business doors remain open.”
For those who want to avoid going to a store in person, many businesses have online stores or Facebook pages to explore their products and services. Businesses can also be reached via the phone where they can share their knowledge about gift ideas. Consumers can then arrange for curbside pickup or home delivery options.
“Give it a try and you’ll enjoy how easy and convenient it is. Also you avoid any potential shipping nightmares or worrying about if your gifts will show up on time.”
Additionally, purchasing gift cards is a way to keep dollars and spending in the community.
“We can shop on-line locally. Following health guidelines we can shop in store locally. We can support a business that supports our community locally.”
Wiens also confirmed the Chamber is close to making an announcement regarding a new online shopping initiative to encourage more local spending. This strategy will be similar to the recent launch of Moose Jaw Market Place, an e-commerce for Moose Jaw businesses.
“Many businesses do have a online store set up that they can accept payments through. Many still do not. So stay tuned for some more information.”
Councillor Ryan Plewis shared his appreciation during the meeting for this message of drawing attention to shopping locally.
“Now, more than ever, shop local is so important to really think about. Before you hop on Amazon because it’s easier, take a second and think about whether what’s easy is what’s best in this economy,” he said.
Plewis noted that Swift Current is one of Canada’s most entrepreneurial cities, so the community boasts a high level of small businesses.
“We have a ton of small businesses who are doing pretty interesting and great things in our community,” Plewis said. “They’re not just offering products and services, they’re turning right back around and planting those dollars right back in this community - when they buy local, when they sponsor events, when they buy jerseys for a kid’s sports team, even if they just buy a box of chocolates from a service club those are all the ways that that small dollar business gets turned back around.”
Wiens added that their shop local message will continue to be a priority.
“This year with the COVID regulations and competition, we’ll say the leaner times might be even more leaner. We don’t ever stop promoting our local businesses or spreading the message of shop local. So this year even more you will see some big things coming out in January and February.”