By Andrea Peacock (Vic News) Read the full story.
Local businesses are asking the public to think local first, as the third annual Think Local Week rolls out next week. Think Local First Victoria is an initiative consisting of Greater Victoria business owners that aims to encourage residents to shop at local businesses.
“The primary focus of Think Local Week is to educate the public on the benefits of buying local,” said Gayle Robinson, president of Think Local First Victoria and owner of Robinson’s Outdoor Store. “When you spend 10 per cent of your money locally, 25 per cent more stays in Victoria.”
Think Local Week runs from Dec. 1 to 7. Through promotion in all participating businesses, Robinson hopes to raise the profile of local businesses.
“I think Victoria has a huge appetite for supporting local businesses,” said Robinson.
Nigel Brown, vice-president of Think Local First Victoria and owner of Ruffell & Brown Window Fashions, said local businesses create a unique, competitive shopping experience in a community.
“The biggest misconception is a lot of people think local independent businesses are not competitive in terms of pricing,” said Brown. “Not only are we competitive, but you get a lot more service and other benefits you might not get at some of the other places.”
Along with creating awareness, Think Local First will also be hosting a social media campaign, in which they will be giving away $1,000 in gift cards throughout the week via Facebook and Twitter.