Buying local for the holidays boosts local business

As Brandon gears up for one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year, local entrepreneurs say the “Buy Local” campaign is more than a slogan — it is a lifeline that keeps businesses thriving, staff employed, and the community vibrant.

For some small businesses, the holiday rush determines whether they enter the new year with momentum or struggle through the slower winter months. And this year, owners across the city report seeing encouraging signs that residents are choosing to shop closer to home.

The community support during the holidays makes a measurable difference for both the business and its employees, Hair Today Mall Barbers owner Lindsay Dietrich told the Sun.

“Having the support of the community during the holiday season helps boost revenue during a busy season that can not only help financially during the busy time, but hopefully carry over into the slower months of January and February,” she said. “The boost in revenue is not only beneficial for me as the salon owner, but to the hairstylists and barbers that I employ as well, with fuller bookings and an increase in tips.”

With foot traffic rising at Shoppers Mall, Dietrich said customers are still valuing in-person grooming services and products — something online retailers can’t replace.

“I am happy to see customers still making in-store purchases rather than buying all of their products online. One bonus is that you can’t get your hair cut online!”

Dietrich said she is still finalizing her December promotions, but added shoppers can already find hair-care gift sets and stocking stuffers on the shelves. Above all, she hopes customers remember who their dollars support.

“When shopping or receiving hair services locally, it is important to remember that you’re supporting real people,” she said. “Every appointment matters. Choosing local businesses creates community support and ensures your favourite places stick around year after year.”

At Lady of the Lake, owner Bridget Shaw told the Sun she has watched the Wheat City’s buying habits evolve over 30 years.

The business — part gift shop, part restaurant — has grown into what she described as a “New Age community centre,” a place where residents bring visitors, meet friends and linger over music, antiques and local products.

“By buying local at our store, it means we get to continue business and continue to serve the community,” Shaw said.

With about 35 staff who rely on the business for their livelihoods, the holiday season is crucial. While online shopping continues to draw customers away, Shaw said many residents are intentionally choosing local first — something she also practises herself.

“It’s so easy to order from Amazon and have it dropped at your door,” she said. “But we hope that people check the local stores first… just come and have a browse and see if there’s anything that would work for you.”

Lady of the Lake leans heavily on curated, hand-selected merchandise that shoppers can’t find at big-box stores, including Canadian-made products, local authors and unique imported pieces chosen with care.

“It has a very pleasant feel to it,” Shaw said. “We not only create a place where people can buy products, but a place people come to browse, listen to soft music and reminisce about old furniture — it’s more than any big box store can ever deliver.”

Buying local strengthens more than just own operation, Shaw said.

“The money stays in the community. It supports our staff, which then hopefully supports your business or other local businesses. It creates a better circle of life for this consumer world that we live in.”

The stakes for local entrepreneurs are especially high during the Christmas shopping season, according to Brandon Chamber of Commerce general manager Curtis Hullick.

“The holidays are a ‘make-or-break’ period for many small businesses,” he said in an email. “When the public supports small businesses and keeps the dollars in the community, the successful business community has the opportunity to be creative and flexible to grow, expand and invest back into the future of the city.”

Shopping local is the public’s way of investing in Brandon. Hullick said he’s already noticing busier storefronts and a holiday rush picking up, particularly around Shoppers Mall.

The Chamber is supporting local retailers through upcoming events, its partnership with a Brandon Sun Buy Local campaign, and even reminders plastered on its building windows downtown, he said. To residents tempted to do most of their shopping online, Hullick said convenience shouldn’t overshadow community impact.

“I completely understand the convenience of shopping online,” he said. “But try and fight the urge and keep it local. There is still time to scan the businesses of Brandon for the perfect gift. With a little digging and casual browsing, you might be pleasantly surprised with what you find.”

He added shoppers should explore downtown, home to several creative businesses, eateries and gift options.

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