Local businesses hopeful for Shop Local Georgina Day

By: Michelle Poirier

From this year on, June 11 will officially be known as Shop Local Georgina Day, and local businesses are happy about it.

The Shop Local Georgina campaign, developed by the Georgina Chamber of Commerce, was unanimously approved by Mayor Margaret Quirk and Georgina Council, at the virtual council meeting held on May 27. The launch date will coincide with the Chamber’s 45th anniversary.

“Our Shop Local Campaign has been designed to shine a light on Georgina businesses and create an economic stimulus for our entire community. More than ever, we need local to be the focus,” Jennifer Anderson, Executive Director of Georgina Chamber of Commerce, said.

And Bob Goodlad, the owner of Keswick Flowers & Gifts, agrees. He believes the campaign is a great idea and will help local businesses suffering during the pandemic.

“A lot of people are shopping local because they’re trying to help our community. Many people come in and say they’re shopping local because they know small businesses need it, so it’s good,” he said.

“With the hard times right now, just a reminder that we are here, we are still available to help is a great thing, ” said Josh Stevens, the owner of Stirling Tire, who’s very appreciative of his loyal customer base, which is helping his business survive during the pandemic.

“Help out your neighbours, help out your local businesses as much as possible. Keep Georgina local,” he added.

Although the Cakes by Jez retail location, owned and operated by Jeysabel Pearson-MacKinnon, is still closed due to COVID-19, she has been taking custom orders and making baked goods for sale at Elpida Café.

“I think it’s an amazing day, and it’s great that we’ll have that. Sadly, we have to remind people to try and shop local, but I think it’s a great opportunity for people to get out and see what we have,” she said.

Chad Vlasic, the owner of Paint Source Plus, said his business has been doing well since everyone who is stuck at home is renovating their homes to keep busy.

“It’s good to create local awareness, as opposed to going down to Newmarket to big-box locations,” he said.

The Briars is now open for take out after being closed for two and a half months, and is also looking for community support while things get back on track. 

Bob Law, the resort manager at the Briars, believes this campaign is just right for the times.

“It’s been a buzz phrase for a while, but recent events have made me really think about what it means. I think it builds a living community. Local shops and services create a vibrant local economy,” he said.

“It’s a choice. If each of us spends a bit more locally, then all together we grow a community.”

You can purchase Shop Local Georgina promotional items and keep up with the campaign on shoplocalgeorgina.ca.