5 Ways To Support Local This Holiday Season
Saturday November 21st, 2020, 11:00am
INSIDERS GUIDE: 5 WAYS TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES
Small independent businesses are the driving force in our local economy and contribute immensely to the vibrancy of our neighbourhoods. We all play a part in their survival, especially during challenging economic times. Here are a few ways you can support small businesses in your community during the holiday season and beyond.
- Spread the word. Let others know about your favourite businesses by leaving a positive review or testimonial on their website, or like and share their content on social media. Word of mouth referrals are a great way to drum up support for small businesses.
- Commit to purchasing gifts locally. Attend local artisan fairs, shop at main street businesses or on their e-commerce websites. Not sure what to buy someone? Purchasing a gift card is a great way to ensure your loved ones can pick out a unique local product.
- Reach out. Connect with local independent businesses by subscribing to businesses’ social media, emails and newsletters. Keeping abreast of sales and new product offerings means you’re more likely to shop at those businesses.
- Order takeout. Even if you’re not keen on dining indoors right now, ordering takeout from your favourite local restaurant or caterer is a great way to continue supporting food and beverage businesses. Third party delivery apps provide convenience but often charge high fees to restaurants, so consider ordering direct from the restaurant if you can.
- Discover unique experiences. Many businesses offer workshops and classes such as creative art studios, music lessons, cooking and nutrition lessons, fitness classes, and more. Participating in events and workshops helps you stay connected to these businesses and build a community around their services.
Meet the makers behind Windsor-Essex’s unique products
Dave’s Woodworking
Amherstburg’s David Pettypiece focuses on rustic construction using recycled material to create unique home décor, furniture and gift items. His work includes cutting boards, wine racks, benches, tables, signage, and many more creative designs to complement your home. Contact David direct on Facebook to order a retail or custom item.
Gallup Leather provides its customers with high-quality, handmade leather goods using a very soft yet durable top grain leather. The artist who designs these products, Angel Anzola, has over 40 years of experience. Connect with Gallup on Facebook and Instagram to view and purchase their unique leather items.
RARE is not just apparel, it’s a lifestyle. Co-owners Tam Nguyen and Scott Bisson started Rare Apparel in 2016 to tell stories of the neighbourhoods and communities in Windsor and Essex County. Shop online at rareapparel.ca for art prints, shirts and hats for the whole family.
Jordynne Ropat’s passion for making sweets at bake sales grew into Plant Joy, a bakery specializing in vegan donuts. Try her unique flavours such as lemon lavender and strawberries and cream by ordering online at plantjoy.ca or visiting the bakery at 5622 Wyandotte St. E. in Windsor.
Since 2010, Allison Mistakidis has been crafting affordable and elegant jewellery through her business, Aloraflora Jewelry. Many pieces feature sterling silver, Swarovski and glass beads, and can be purchased at Whiskeyjack Boutique in downtown Windsor (55 Maiden Lane W.) or online at aloraflora.com.
Looking for more ways to support small business? Check out the 2020 Holiday Gift Guide featuring local artisans and other businesses in Windsor and Essex County. We’ve also put together this guide for the hard to buy for – whether it’s the coffee lover in your life, someone looking for craft brews, or gifts under $20 for that office white elephant gift exchange.
Remember that when you buy local, you keep the dollars in the local economy.
—
Originally published on Wednesday November 18th by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island in partnership with the Windsor-Essex Small Business Centre.
Sponsored by Tourism Windsor Essex. For more details on Tourism Windsor Essex click their website, or visit them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
