SHOP LOCAL OR ONLINE?

We asked some people on Facebook what their preference is.

• Darolyn Randall: Online. Being a new mom who doesn’t leave the house much it’s easier.

• Alice d’Entremont: Local. My neighbour needs to eat and pay fuel bills.

• Bruce Roberts: Being a person that grew up in a family owned business, I understand the importance of supporting local businesses and I do as much as possible. For some reasons I find it difficult to do sometimes due to price and selection.

• Brenda Levy Tate: It depends on what I need. Electronic gear such as cameras and lenses pretty much has to be ordered online. I try to buy from Canadian retailers though. Even through Amazon, there are Canadian sellers and I always look for those. Food and other basics available here, I buy here. I shop smaller businesses when I can (plus) markets and craft shops. For bulk items, the larger stores tend to have more affordable and wider selections. Specialty stores like Pet Valu for specific needs.

• Kate Richardson: I prefer to buy from small locally owned businesses, however, that isn’t always possible. I would say small/local business is my initial go-to, and I fill in the gaps with online purchases when I can’t find what I’m looking for. I will say though, typically I can find much better pricing online, and with three kids sometimes the bottom line wins. I try to make an effort to buy gifts or personalized items from local makers or mamas trying to build a side hustle as well... whether that’s local people I know, or people I found through Facebook or Etsy.