Please shop local, especially for the holidays

 

As we head into the holiday season, it is important to remember to support local businesses when shopping for and planning yearly traditions. The wonderful businesses in Victoria’s core are facing uncertain futures, many may not survive past the holidays – it’s the season many retailers depend upon for their entire year. Not only do they have to compete for business with big box stores and services like Amazon, they also have to combat the effects of COVID-19. Our businesses are a big part of what makes downtown Victoria such a vibrant and wonderful place. We want to make sure that they survive the financial and cultural hardships of today and, by buying from them or using their services, we can support them into the future.

 

 

What happens when we shop local

So many good things happen when we support our downtown businesses. We bolster our local economy by keeping the money here in the community where it can be invested back into our city. Our local businesses make Victoria unique and by supporting them, we are embracing what makes our beautiful city and our downtown core special. We are also creating a city where we have more choice of where to shop. With many busy stores, we create jobs, both seasonally and in the long-term. Our purchases can make huge differences to local entrepreneurs and when we shop at their stores, we as customers get to take advantage of their expertise and passion for what they sell.

 

 

Ways to shop during a pandemic

Just as the pandemic and the lock-down have been challenging for downtown store owners, the role of the shopper has also changed drastically. We can no longer drop-in and browse with the same ease. We may not even feel comfortable to do so. However, there are still ways to shop and find wonderful holiday gifts for family and friends while still supporting our local businesses.

 

 

1. Gift Cards

Gift cards are a great way to support local when shopping for holiday gifts, especially for those people in our lives that are hard to buy for. They give the gift of choice. They grant the recipient the flexibility and freedom to pick out something for themselves. Downtown businesses in many different sectors have the option of gift cards in varying amounts (for example, Glam & Fame, Frilly Lilly, Opus Arts Supplies, and Milestones, to name just a few).

 

2. Online or over the phone

Another option for holiday shopping from local businesses is through their online shops or ordering over the phone. Most businesses downtown have online stores including Adventure Clothing, Beadworld, Out of Ireland, Kaboodles Toy Store, and Curious Comics. There is something for everyone right here in town and most of it is a click or a phone call away.

 

 

If you want more information on the businesses downtown, check out our business directory, complete with addresses, phone numbers, and links to their websites.