SHOPPING LOCAL... YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
The goal for Shop Clarington, Shop Local Campaign continues to focus on encouraging people to rethink their shopping habits. With the Holiday Season around the corner, that perfect gift for that special someone awaits you in the assortment of unique shops and boutiques in Clarington. Bring the holiday spirit back into your shopping as you pass by unique shops and businesses extending throughout Courtice, Bowmanville, Newcastle and Orono, popping into stores where you are greeted with a warm hello and holiday cheer.
As consumers in Clarington, we have the power to shape our community. Our influence on local businesses and the value of shopping local is often understated. Our local economy is predominantly driven by those that sell and spend within the Clarington borders.
The support of locally owned independent business influences our community by strengthening our economy and enhancing the character and appeal of our towns and villages. Taking advantage of the opportunities to re-discover and explore what Clarington has to offer is more important than ever. It is time to think twice about our spending habits and support our local business community as they have supported our social community for many years. Each one of us does make a difference.
The Clarington Board of Trade and our local business community are very proud of the success for the Shop Clarington, Shop Local Campaign. Participation by local business and our consumers far exceeded our hopes and expectations in the first year. We are excited to continue to promote this essential message to our business and residential communities. In the first year of the Shop Local Campaign, we had 108 businesses participating and distributed over 4000 shop local passports into the community. We look forward to seeing the participation grow as we move forward and grow with this initiate.
As you gear up for this holiday season, think local first! Whether you are gift hunting, looking for a perfect place to celebrate with family and friends or preparing for a celebration at home, your shopping list can be filled right here in Clarington. It is time to explore the many local opportunities just waiting for you.
A locally owned business returns much of each dollar to their community, through employment, purchasing of goods and services such as groceries, gasoline, cars, homes, lawyers, banks, accountants and the list goes on. Chain and franchise stores also make a positive impact in our community through local employment and purchasing however, less of their earnings will remain in the community. Local retailers provide us with a unique selection of items, specially selected with their clientele in mind. Many have heavily invested their life savings into their business which has created a passion for the community and made them essential to charitable endeavours, team sponsorship and frequently sitting on local boards and supporting a variety of causes.
Thank you for Shopping Clarington and Have a Happy Holiday!