The holiday season is approaching quickly, and this may be the time that panic begins to set in as you struggle to find the perfect gift for your loved ones and friends. But there is no need to worry or stress yourself out as there is an option that you may not think about: buying local. 
There are many local shops and businesses, especially in the downtown area, that have options for you to gift such as:
- clothing
- shoes
- books
- plants
- art
With so many options, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll find something for each and every person you need to find a gift for. And although running to Walmart, or making a day trip to the mall may sound like an easier option, buying local gives that personal touch, and also gives back to the community.
“When you shop at a local entrepreneur who lives and works in London and has their entire life invested in their business, that money comes back into our community.” Janette MacDonald, the CEO of Downtown London says. “The money they make pays for their employees, it sends their kids to dance camp and to all of their extra-curricular activities. And it circulates through the community, so we’re really protecting our own economy by shopping local.”
But not only does MacDonald think that shopping local helps the community, those working in the downtown see these benefits as well.
“It’s a circle,” Jan Wilson, the manager at Lifestyles on Richmond says, “you support Londoners because it creates jobs, and it’s a real snowball effect.”
Although, there is something that is definitely causing issues in the downtown area which would be the construction.
Janette MacDonald touches on this issue in the video below:
Luckily for Wilson, the construction is a few blocks away from her storefront.
“We offer free parking behind the store which is a major benefit for us… I’d say we’re just fine. We’re having a very good season. We have amazing staff here, and so it all seems to just come together. We’ve weathered the construction quite well.”
This is the time to step out into the cities core, and purchase gifts from your local shops, in order for the money to come back into the community and to give a sentimental touch to the gifts you give this holiday season. This time of the year is the most crucial time for shop owners as 30% of the business done by local shops is within the months of November to December. Reaching out is crucial to keep your favourite shops in the city.
