Home for the Holidays: Reasons To Shop Local This Holiday Season
It’s that time of year again. With the holiday season quickly approaching, many of us are on the hunt for that perfect gift. And with the rise of large online retailers like Amazon and Temu, it’s a lot easier than it was 20 years ago. With their extensive catalogues and competitive pricing, we don’t even have to leave the comfort of our homes — or break the bank.
But while buying from big corporations might save us some time and a few bucks, there are hidden costs to this convenience that you might not think about. When you buy from big box stores and megacorporations, your money is siphoned out of the local economy and into the pockets of wealthy executives. And because big brands all too often rely on cheap labour, they are able to undercut small businesses, making it difficult to stay afloat and ultimately forcing them to close their doors.
In contrast, small businesses continually reinvest in their communities. Case in point? Generator! Each year we partner with Media Street Productions to host WindUp, a contest that gives back to local businesses in Windsor-Essex. And we’re not the only ones. Small businesses enrich our lives in many ways by sponsoring and participating in local events, providing high-quality employment for locals, adding uniqueness and diversity to our cities, and so much more.
Exploring our neighbourhoods gives us a chance to engage with those in our community and foster stronger connections. Windsor’s vibrant local scene offers plenty of opportunities to shop and celebrate, putting on events featuring local artists, makers, and entrepreneurs year round, including pop-up markets and the upcoming Walkerville Holiday Walk. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit, whether you’re shopping for gifts or just enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Windsor has seen a long list of local businesses close in the years following the pandemic, so it’s more important than ever to give them our support. With the holiday season coming up, I urge everyone to shop around for ethically made, Canadian goods for their friends, family, and coworkers and not be tempted by the convenience that big brands like Amazon, Temu, or SHEIN provide. Not sure where to start? The annual Windsor-Essex Holiday Gift Guide is packed with ideas and is available at local retailers and events.
By choosing to support local, you’re giving back to your community — and that’s a gift we can all appreciate.
