November 16–22, 2026
Think Local Week is Greater Victoria’s annual celebration of locally owned businesses and the incredible impact they have on our economy, neighbourhoods, and quality of life.
This November, Think Local First Victoria is bringing together local businesses, community organizations, media partners, local leaders, and residents to shop local, eat local, support local, and celebrate the entrepreneurs who make our region unique.
Shop Local. Support Local. Love Local. Bags
Put Your Business Directly Into the Hands of Local Shoppers
We’re creating 100 limited-edition Shop Local. Support Local. Love Local. bags filled with products, offers, gift cards, and surprises from Think Local First members.
Participating businesses can contribute:
- Product samples
- Gift cards
- Exclusive offers or coupons
- Promotional items
- Branded materials or business information
This is an opportunity to introduce new customers to your business, encourage visits and purchases during the holiday season, and be part of a coordinated campaign celebrating Greater Victoria’s local business community.
Important Dates
October 15, 2026: Deadline to confirm your participation
November 7, 2026: Deadline for all bag items to be delivered
To participate, contact marketing@thinklocalvictoria.com with details about what you would like to contribute.
What’s in My Shop Local Bag?
The bags will also be supported by a coordinated social media campaign throughout Think Local Week, showcasing “What’s in My Shop Local Bag?” and introducing the community to participating businesses and their contributions.
Bag pre-sales opening soon.
More Ways to Participate in Think Local Week
Whether you want to contribute to the Shop Local Bags, advertise your business, donate a giveaway prize, sponsor an initiative, or simply help spread the shop-local message, there are opportunities for businesses of all sizes to participate.
By getting involved, your business can increase visibility during the holiday shopping season, reach new audiences through collaborative promotion, connect with Greater Victoria’s local business community, and encourage more residents to intentionally choose local.
Think Local Week Grand Prize Giveaway
Contribute a prize to our Think Local Week Giveaway and receive additional exposure through the Times Colonist online contest page, Think Local First eNewsletter, and social media during Think Local Week, November 16–22.
Grand Prize Items Donated So Far
- $400 Gift Card to The Bay Centre
- Annual subscription to YAM Magazine
- Complimentary vehicle detailing from PowHer Mobile Detailing
- A Shop Local. Support Local. Love Local. Bag filled with items from Think Local First members
To contribute a prize, contact Kathryn at marketing@thinklocalvictoria.com with details about your donation.
Shared Advertising Opportunities
Extend your Think Local Week presence through our participating media partners and reach Greater Victoria audiences during the holiday shopping season.
YAM Magazine
Participate in shared advertising in the November/December issue of YAM Magazine, putting your business in front of local readers as holiday shopping gets underway.
To book: Contact Deana at dbrown@pageonepublishing.ca
Times Colonist
Participate in the Times Colonist print and digital campaign and help amplify the Think Local Week message across Greater Victoria.
To book: Contact Aaron at aross@timescolonist.com
CHEK Media
Put your organization, team, and brand in the holiday spotlight with a feel-good, community-focused CHEK commercial encouraging viewers to shop local this holiday season.
Each commercial features three local businesses and includes your personalized message. Spots will air 50 times between November 17 and December 28, and participating businesses will receive a downloadable version to use across their own marketing channels.
To book: Contact Karin at khanwell@cheknews.ca
Why Think Local Week Matters
Every local purchase makes a difference.
When residents choose locally owned businesses, more money stays within our region, relationships are built between businesses and customers, and Greater Victoria’s independent business community becomes more connected and resilient.
Throughout Think Local Week, we’ll share local business stories, promote participating organizations across multiple media channels, connect business leaders, and remind our community that choosing local is something we can all do to support the place we call home.
Bag Pre-Sales Open Soon
Be the first to secure your spot and join the celebration of local business.
Interested in participating?
Contact Think Local First Victoria to learn more about advertising, sponsorship, Shop Local Bags, and other opportunities to get involved.
Don’t Miss the Think Local Week CHEK Mixer
Wednesday, November 18
560 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 2Z6
Join us at CHEK News for our Think Local Week Mixer! As a proud local media organization and champion of our community, CHEK is the perfect setting to come together, connect with fellow local businesses, and celebrate the people who make our community strong.
Questions? Get in touch!
Contact hello@thinklocalvictoria.com
