'Tis the season of holiday shopping and your opportunity to pay it forward and support your local businesses in downtown Squamish.
2022 marks the fifth year the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association (DSBIA) has organized 21 Days of Christmas, encouraging locals to holiday shop in downtown Squamish, as part of a #bcshoplocal campaign for small businesses.
"This campaign is always such a great success—it's when Squamish businesses have their largest annual revenue days," says Kerry Neil, executive director, DSBIA. "People need to recognize how important it is to shop local and support their community."
Each participating business receives a ballot box, ballots and a window decal, notifying people they're taking part in the 21 Days of Christmas campaign. When you spend a minimum of $10 at a participating business from December 1 to 21, you're invited to fill out a ballot to be entered to win thousands of dollars in prizes.
"Last year we collected over 15,000 entries," recalls Neil. "The more you shop, eat and explore in downtown Squamish, the more chances you have to win. Winners are drawn on December 22 and announced on the BIA's social media channels."
Research shows that B.C. local businesses create more than double the economic impact of their chain competitors. For every $100 spent with a B.C. local business, $63 is re-circulated back into the B.C. economy, compared to 14% with multinationals.
Top 10 reasons to shop in downtown Squamish
1. You're directly contributing to the community and the money is going straight into the town, helping it to thrive.
2. When you support local, the money spent in Squamish stays in Squamish. It's a small community and a lot of businesses employ your friends, family, and neighbours.
3. You're helping the local economy to create more jobs. Small businesses need enough hands to help them sell their products and services. The more you support them, the more jobs are created.
4. Your money spent has a ripple effect that contributes to the growth and health of the community. Many businesses support local not-for-profits, charities and sports teams in Squamish; shopping locally helps increase the number of donations.
5. Downtown businesses are hubs of creativity and innovation, always creating or supplying something new and innovative. Whether it's a themed donut, ethically sourced clothing or stunning window display; there is always so much thought and intention behind it.
6. You'll lower your carbon footprint by leaving your car at home. Stores are easily accessible and within walking distance for most. Take transit or bike; there is extra covered bike parking downtown thanks to 'OurSquamish placemaking Society.'
7. You help create the identity of your community. Downtown Squamish is filled with unique and vibrant shops, the dollars you invest downtown help to create an attractive aesthetic that's great for locals and tourists.
8. When you purchase gift cards locally rather than through Amazon or Apple you help to keep revenues in the community; many downtown Squamish businesses sell gift cards.
9. When you purchase BC-made products, you support local artists, makers, and manufacturers, helping to build a strong local economy.
10. When you give the gift of an experience, whether a beauty treatment, haircut, or SUP lesson (there are so many 'experience' options in downtown Squamish) you are contributing to not only less waste but also putting your dollars directly back into the local economy
For more information, visit downtownsquamish.com.
