Small businesses urge local shopping for holiday season

It’s another Black Friday, and this year businesses small and large are seeing just how the ongoing global pandemic has changed the way people shop.

While Chinook Mall is busy, the parking lot isn’t exactly overflowing — and that’s likely because people are staying home.

According to database company Statista, over 70 per cent of Canadian consumers planned on doing most of their Black Friday shopping online.

“With discount codes and promo codes you get online, you may as well stay at home and shop online,” said one shopper CityNews spoke with.

This as small businesses still feel the impacts of the pandemic – especially in Alberta — where the average for small business closures was the highest in the country in 2020.

Local businesses are urging Calgarians to shop local because when you step into a small business, you experience more than just a shopping spree.

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“When you’re shopping in a local store, you’re shopping for someone who’s invested in your community, they care about what’s happening in Calgary, they’re hiring Calgarians and it’s more than just buying the stuff, you’re getting the whole experience,” said Kathleen “Roxy” Janzen, the co-founder of Nerd Roller Skates Inc.

Janzen says shopping local means you’re a part of something more. Nerd Roller Skates doesn’t just sell skates, they also help connect skaters.

“I mean we’ve gotten really used to having everything at your fingertips on our phone but there are some things where you really do need a bit of a personal touch.”

Just across the road in Inglewood, Moonstone Creations is also bringing a unique experience.

“We have a workshop in the store, we make about 50 per cent of what we carry here so usually at any time of day one of us is here beading or making something,” said Mary.

They agree shopping local is more than just helping the local economy.

“I get to see people do a happy dance leaving my store,” said Janzen.