#SupportLocalYYC this holiday season

This Black Friday — and throughout the holiday season — shoppers worrying that global supply chain issues will spoil gift-giving plans can look closer to home for the solution.

The supply issues, and the continuing effects of the pandemic, make it timely for Calgarians to seek out locally available products and services. Consumers can find shelves stocked with great discoveries inside Calgary businesses, offering locally made and artfully curated inventory. Shoppers can also consider purchasing gift cards for local shops, services and restaurants – another great way to get holiday shopping done while supporting local.

“Calgary has a vibrant retail shopping scene with so many hidden gems across every neighbourhood in the city,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “When we get out and explore our communities, we are also supporting local entrepreneurs who are the life of our economy. For every $100 spent at a local business, that is $58 poured back into our local economy. I’m supporting local all year round but specifically this holiday season and I encourage all Calgarians to do the same.”

The City also asks Calgarians to share the businesses they are finding by using the hashtag #SupportLocalYYC. If you’re a local business and need some resources to help boost your business, check the free tools on calgary.ca/supportlocal.

“The majority of the retail sector in Calgary is small business — and for many of them, this is the season that determines their survival and growth,” says Erin Chrusch, Leader, Business and Local Economy, City of Calgary. “Shoppers don’t have to wait and wonder when their gift purchases are arriving — or even if they’re in stock. When you Support Local, you’re supporting your own community.”

Last year, The City’s ShopHERE program enabled many local businesses to develop online stores that allow consumers to shop from the safety of their own homes, while still supporting local. Shopping locally online also keeps more “bricks and mortar” stores in operation.

Apart from the holiday season, it’s important for Calgarians to Support Local year-round, helping local businesses thrive and grow. From the vendor side, businesses that source locally get surety of supply and contribute to a virtuous economic cycle.

Yet another good resource for holiday shoppers is The City’s directory of 15 Business Improvement Areas in Calgary. These BIAs are home to a neighbourhood-focused variety of shopping and service amenities.