Are you preparing to take part in The Big Spend?
The Big Spend is a nationwide initiative, created by Victoria pastor Tim Schindel, that encourages Canadians across the country to buy local this Saturday, July 25th. It is an effort to revive the economy after the shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Big Spend could not be more timely. The single most important thing you can do to help the community retore is to shop local,” said Rebecca Shelley the Executive Director of The Grimsby Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber wants the one-day event to become a long-term trend. “We have a countdown that features 11 reasons why you should support local businesses,” said Shelley.
The Chamber is posting one reason per day on its Facebook page, in a bid to generate interested and to educate locals on the mission.
When consumers buy local it activates a multiplier effect. More money stays locally and this promotes job growth, a thriving economy, and an active community.
It is expected that many businesses in Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln and area will be taking part. Several businesses told Niagara Info they are are offering special promotions.
Locals can stop into stores like The Dutch Shop on Main Street in Grimsby. “We have a number of in-store sales already going, but our one-day sales will be two milkshakes for $7.50 and free reusable bags on any purchase over $50,” said owner Daniel Vandersteen.
Copper + Twine on the east end of Main Street in Grimsby will also be participating. The store has partnered with other local small businesses. “We have swapped some gift cards with local businesses to host a giveaway for in-store purchases. We also have sales going on with our items in store,” said owner Ariel Weir.
Another store with a gift card giveaway is Simply Moto. “We are open for the Big Spend. We are giving away gift cards,” Karen Remers, at the store, told Niagara Info.
“All proceeds from our sales go back into our community supporting local families and individuals finding themselves in difficult times,” said Stacy Elia, Executive Director, of GBF. “We operate a food bank and provide many social services supports locally as well as a housing program. We encourage everyone to come out on Saturday and show their support for our efforts. It takes a community to take care of a community.”
Residents out shopping might also want to eat local on Saturday. Main Street in Grimsby has cordoned off extra space for extended patios. Beamsville shoppers can stop into an area winery for a bite and sip. Check out some great patios here.
Charlie’s Barber Shop in Grimsby
You can extend your Big Spend activities to area produce markets. Buy farm-fresh products from places like Hildreth Farms in Beamsville. Make a scenic trek to Upper Canada Cheese Company in Jordan Station. The working creamery makes fine cheeses by hand from pure Guernsey Milk. Watch the cheeses being made. Browse the boutique of gourmet goodies.
If you can’t make it out, you can buy local online. Many of local stores offer online shopping. You can pick goodies or get them delivered to your door.
In Grimsby alone, five prominent businesses on the downtown strip have closed their doors. The loss of these businesses is a reminder to local residents that businesses are vulnerable. Buying local beyond this Saturday can make the one-day event a habit, and help local businesses recover.
For more information about the Big Spend read the full story at: https://niagarainfo.ca/big-spend-initiative-launched-to-help-small-local-businesses/