Ashley Boyd believes in doing as much of her shopping locally as possible, especially during the holidays.
“I try to buy from friends who have small businesses like Scentsy, or people who are making homemade items,” says the St. Croix woman.
While trying to scale back Christmas over the past few years, Boyd says she tries to get people something they can really use. At the top of her list are items like gift certificates from local restaurants where the recipient likes to eat or local businesses. A popular item, she adds, is a gift certificate to where they get their hair cut.
“These are examples of things people may not get to do as much anymore where everything is costing more,” says Boyd.
Shopping local isn’t confined to brick and mortar stores, either. She says the West Hants area has some great local, online businesses that make wonderful homemade, unique items, too. Many of these crafters and entrepreneurs can be found at the local craft fairs that are abundant in the weeks leading up to the holidays.
Heather Donohue, chairwoman of the Windsor Business Enhancement Society, agrees.
“I firmly believe that although technology and shopping patterns have changed, by taking time to do a little research, people can source things out and do most of their shopping locally,” she said.
Ashley Boyd believes in doing as much of her shopping locally as possible, especially during the holidays.
“I try to buy from friends who have small businesses like Scentsy, or people who are making homemade items,” says the St. Croix woman.
While trying to scale back Christmas over the past few years, Boyd says she tries to get people something they can really use. At the top of her list are items like gift certificates from local restaurants where the recipient likes to eat or local businesses. A popular item, she adds, is a gift certificate to where they get their hair cut.
“These are examples of things people may not get to do as much anymore where everything is costing more,” says Boyd.
Shopping local isn’t confined to brick and mortar stores, either. She says the West Hants area has some great local, online businesses that make wonderful homemade, unique items, too. Many of these crafters and entrepreneurs can be found at the local craft fairs that are abundant in the weeks leading up to the holidays.
Heather Donohue, chairwoman of the Windsor Business Enhancement Society, agrees.
“I firmly believe that although technology and shopping patterns have changed, by taking time to do a little research, people can source things out and do most of their shopping locally,” she said.
Donohue says she’s continually told how surprised people are when they discover how much is available locally when they take the time to look.
One great way to start a local shopping spree is by attending the Avon Christmas Gerrish Street Fair and Market on Dec. 4 from noon to 5 p.m. It’s the first time the fair has been held.
Shoppers can browse the fares of local crafters, shops, vendors, breweries, wineries and musicians as they look for the perfect gift. Area residents can take a break to get warm by the fire pits with mulled cider or hot chocolate and take in the local music, or have a photo taken with Santa between noon and 2 p.m. The day will finish at 5 p.m., with the downtown tree lighting ceremony.
Janice Spencer, a resident of Brooklyn, knows the value of shopping locally, especially at Christmas.
“When you support direct sales vendors from the area, you are supporting your neighbours who also spend their money in the local area,” says Spencer.
As Donohue says, when residents opt to spend their money locally, they are supporting not only that particular business, but the whole community. Strong communities, she adds, are built by the people who are in them.
