Shop Local: Use Them or Lose Them

Local, local, local…To preserve our unique local landscape, Manitoba consumers and business owners must continue pushing the boundaries of creativity without skirting in-person shopping and gathering restrictions.

“I know we’re all feeling tired as 2020 winds down, but this is a crucial stretch. Members of our business community, especially independent retailers and restaurants, must tap in to their ingenuity right now, and dig deep to make a concerted effort to meet customer needs. This may have a direct impact on their future sustainability,” says Chuck Davidson, MCC President & CEO. “And although the process to buy locally from a business that’s closed to public visitors may be a little less convenient than some fully-developed fulfillment operations, it’s worth the investment. Many of our small businesses, particularly in the tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors, are hanging on by a thread.”

Non-essential business closure does NOT mean you can’t safely purchase goods, even non-essential goods. Make a consious effort to seek out locally owned business to purchase anything from holiday gifts to everyday items. And remember, if you can’t afford to spend right now, write a positive review for a favourite retailer, or showcase on social media an unique Manitoba-made item you purchased in the past.

Check out our growing list of sites and initiatives making it easier to #ShopLocal this year.

GoodLocal.ca

GoodLocal.ca is your one-stop shop for everything local. Browse hundreds of local Manitoba brands and shops you know, and maybe discover some new ones, all in one place.

And then have it delivered straight to your door by more Manitobans!

BuyLocal.ly

Buylocal.ly is a free directory of local restaurants, shops and services who are open for business with pick up and delivery options during this challenging time. The platform was built by Winnipeg-based Bold Commerce whose mission is to empower merchants to succeed.

Buylocal.ly uses Bold technology to provide a helpful resource to merchants and consumers during social distancing. The platform is being made available to help consumers find businesses in their area who offer delivery or pickup and to show support for local businesses who are not able to stay open for dining or in store shopping at this time. Local merchants – both independent and chain stores – can add their business listing free of charge.

LetsOrder.Delivery

Order Delivery Direct from Restaurants in Your Neighbourhood and Across Winnipeg!

“As Manitoba restaurants continue to struggle through the latest coronavirus restrictions, a Winnipeg couple has come up with a unique way to help local businesses with their bottom line. The new service, called Let’s Order Delivery, catalogues local eateries that offer their own in-house delivery services — so the businesses themselves can pocket what you pay them without giving a percentage to a third-party takeout business.” – via Global Winnipeg

Dine Manitoba Resturant Guide

The restaurant industry, like so many others, is struggling through this pandemic. Many restaurants and food service establishments have been heavily restricted and effectively shut down. Some have already closed their doors for good, and many more are facing a difficult winter ahead.

One of the ways you can help is by purchasing copies of The Dine Manitoba Restaurant Guide, a coupon book with discounts and promotions valued at more than $2000 in savings at 45+ local restaurants. The goal of Dine Manitoba is to drive traffic back to restaurants for take out and, when it is safe to do so again, dine in.

25% of the proceeds will help support The Dream Factory, a Manitoba-based charity dedicated to fulfilling dreams for kids who are battling life-threatening illnesses. The Dream Factory has continued to help make dreams come true for children, which is sometimes as simple as delivering a favourite restaurant meal to them and their family. Please help us keep these dreams alive.

Another 25% of the proceeds will go to the MRFA. The restaurant industry needs a voice now more than ever and the MRFA is committed to advocating on behalf of its members.