Shopping local is a win-win.
“It’s good for the environment as well as the economy,” says Audry Lochrie. “It keeps our shopping district vibrant, employs local people and provides first jobs for our youth,” she added. “It’s the local businesses that support and donate to the community and sports events.”
Almost half (42 per cent) of every dollar stays here, explained Lochrie, head of the Trail and District Chamber of Commerce. “So shopping local is the best way to ensure your dollar stays in the community.”
This week marks the fourth annual Buy Local Week in BC, celebrating the big impact buying local has on the local economy in communities across the province.
So timing of the first Trail Winter Indoor market fits into the buy local initiative as well as its mantra - local artisans who make it, bake it or grow it.
The former Liquidation World on Spokane Street will house the event for a second season.
Like last year, vendor response to the downtown locale has been very merry - all 55 tables are sold out for all three markets.
“We have a waiting list,” said Lochrie.
“And because there is a need, we are expanding to the basement for the markets on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19, to accommodate those vendors and a dozen more.”
Those looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, will find everything from organic produce to Christmas cakes and shortbread, homemade soaps, jewelry, knitwear and more, from noon until 4 p.m. on the three Saturday dates.
“The idea behind our markets is to provide launchpads for our vendors, and for them to gain exposure before expanding their business or opening a storefront of their own,” said Lochrie, mentioning Comfort Walk Shoes on Cedar Avenue.
Buy Local Week in BC is proclaimed by the province and runs from Monday until this Sunday. Consumers are encouraged to shift some of their holiday spending to locally owned businesses, and look for local grown and locally made products wherever they shop.
The average Canadian consumer will spend about $1,500 on food, alcohol, gifts and travel this holiday season, says Amy Robinson from LOCO BC, a non-profit business alliance that coordinates Buy Local Week.
“If they shift just 1 per cent - a $15 purchase - of that spending to local business,” she adds. “Their money will multiply local wealth and support stronger communities and more jobs.”
LOCO BC released a report called, “The Impact of Online Shopping on Local Business,” as part of this year’s campaign launch. The group examined the impact of online shopping on locally owned businesses who are now competing with large chain stores across North America.
Some highlights include, 64 per cent of B.C. retailers cite, “competition form Internet retailers” as one of their top challenges; and Canadian retailers capture only $1 of every $3 spent online.