Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Ward 8 Coun. Courtney Walcott took a stroll around Marda Loop Monday in search of that perfect gift for that special someone this holiday season, bought from a local small business.
It was all a part of the fifth annual Support Local campaign, launched Monday, encouraging Calgarians to spend some of their holiday money with Calgary small businesses.
Shopping with so-called ‘ma-and-pa’ shops in the city means a lot to small business owners, said Jennifer Rondeau, owner of the Meadowlark Toy Company on 34 Avenue SW.
“The amazing thing about coming to small business is that you get to meet the owner; you get to meet somebody who has put their whole heart and soul into that business and genuinely appreciates every single purchase,” said Rondeau.
Rondeau said she has nothing against big-box shopping, especially because there are some great deals out there for Calgarians, especially for those folks looking to stretch a dollar further. What they’re selling – alongside the goods – is the experience.
“However, when you come to a small shop, you can make an experience out of it. You can come to Meadowlark and find incredible, one-of-a-kind things for your kids. We have a store here that sells just candles, we have lady stores, men’s stores, and then you can stop and have a glass of wine at Avitus, so you can stop and have a coffee at Le Comptoir. So, there’s an experience to be hard when you go to a small shop.”
$1 spent translates to more in the local economy, Mayor said
Mayor Gondek said the campaign is about raising awareness about the importance of shopping locally.
“Small businesses comprise 95 per cent of the economic growth in our city, so it’s important to be here for them just as they are here for us all,” she said.
“They really are the heart of our economy.”
The mayor said that supporting local businesses has a collateral impact on the entire city economy.
“We understand that when you spend $1 locally it translates to so much more in our economy if you support a local business rather than a chain. That’s something that’s pretty significant, not only for the business owner but for all Calgarians,” Mayor Gondek said.
“We are just reigniting our love affair with shopping local in places like this where you may have a destination store you’re going to like Meadowlark, but there’s coffee shops along the way. There’s places where you can grab a bite to eat.”
Rondeau said it does have an impact when Calgarians choose to spend their money locally.
“As the Mayor said, there are so many small businesses in Calgary, and behind every single one of those businesses is a family; I work with my brother, and you are truly supporting us going forward with our little families,” said Rondeau.
In collaboration with The City of Calgary’s Support Local Initiative, Calgary Parking is advancing the #SUPPORTLOCALYYC parking contest to allow shoppers to win $200 worth of parking credits.
Calgary has 15 Business Improvement Areas (BIA) and provides a directory for local shoppers to explore options for local businesses and new places to try.
The project also encourages local businesses to promote their services using the marketing tips provided by the City of Calgary.
“It’s about working closely, especially with our BIAs, to make sure that different campaigns are driving people down here that are supported by the city, supported through community,” said Coun. Walcott.
Besides the tips, The City of Calgary’s Business Perspectives Panel supplies the chances for local businesses to understand better the outlook and viewpoint of the business community.
