CORNWALL, Ontario – Shopping local this holiday season benefits the Cornwall economy in a variety of ways that stretch beyond the bottom line for area businesses.

The 2018 Shop Local campaign launched today by the Cornwall Economic Development Department, Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Downtown and Le Village Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), highlights the fact that our local arts community, health care programs, minor sports and charitable agencies all benefit from investment by small business.

Without the support of consumers, many of these small businesses would be unable to partner on worthwhile projects that make our community a great place to work, live and play.

“Our small businesses employ hundreds of local people and give back to the community by supporting the arts community and charitable organizations,” says Rory McLennan, president of the chamber. “Likewise support for local health care and sports programs is crucially important. We hope that area residents will return the favour by continuing to support our local stores and restaurants.”

The 2018 Shop Local campaign will be highlighted via radio, social media and print publications and encourage residents to think about supporting a local enterprise when it comes to holiday purchases. Popular ‘be.local.’ t-shirts are being produced, available at both the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce (113 Second Street East) and the municipal economic development department (100 Water Street in the civic complex) for $20.

A Facebook contest, hosted at the ‘We Shop in Cornwall’ page, encourages shoppers to post a picture of themselves supporting a local business. Those who post pictures will have their names entered into a draw to win $500 towards their shop local purchases in the City of Cornwall.

Every dollar that is spent locally supports the local economy, including wages and commerce.
Online shopping may seem attractive, but many shoppers do not realize that the majority of dollars spent with ecommerce merchants offer little to no value to the Canadian economy as many goods are coming from international fulfillment centres.

“Local merchants can quickly bring in a product that you have found online, or may already have it in the store,” says Todd Lihou, Centretown Coordinator with Heart of the City. “Shopping locally also makes it easier to exchange, repair or return a product.”

More details on the shop local campaign will be available on the local websites, as well as on social media, over the coming weeks

Don’t forget that the Seeker has its own “Shop Local” contest where you could win $250 cash for the holidays!

Computer Sense • Mrs. B’s • Harvest • Squire Shop • Celtic Treasures • Pommier Jewellers
Terry Lynn’s Beau-Teek • Life’s Little Pleasures • Flowers Cornwall