Windsor-Essex shops local
In a world turning increasingly to online shopping and big box stores, local businesses are giving people a reason to shop close to home.
As part of small business month, the Windsor Essex Small Business Centre (SBC) hosted its fifth annual W.E. Shop
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has launched its #TooBigToIgnore campaign for small business month. According to the OCC, small businesses are the backbone of the economy and the heart of the local community. (W.E. Shop Local/Facebook page)
Local Show Oct. 24. Nearly 1,000 residents came out to the Fogolar Furlan Club to shop at 50 unique vendors from across the region.
“This is a really cool way that we can showcase the diversity of our small business sector and invite our residents to shop local and experience local together all under one roof for one night,” said Sabrina DeMarco, executive director of small business and entrepreneurship development at the SBC.
“Residents are learning about a lot of new businesses and a lot of new products that they didn’t know about in the region.”
The SBC is a department of the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation that provides entrepreneurs with training and support to help them grow their businesses.
Windsor-Essex is home to nearly 20,000 small businesses. This year to date, the SBC has helped create 467 jobs with local businesses.
According to DeMarco, the event is valuable for business owners, several who have participated in the show during previous years. She said it is an opportunity for small businesses to connect with the community and directly sell their products to customers.
The OCC outlined three obstacles faced by small businesses: (1) They need access to talent, (2) They need government investment in infrastructure, and (3) They are concerned about the rising costs of doing business. (W.E. Shop Local/Facebook)
“It’s good to support small businesses because they’re small businesses; they don’t have the push of a big chain,” said Dillon Erwin, a Windsor resident who attended the show. “Coming out to an event like this and getting to see stuff that local people in our community made and knowing that money is going towards a local family is just super important to me and makes me feel good about buying local.”
Wendy Nantais, co-owner of a home décor boutique called The Dandelion said owning her own business was a life-long dream.
“I have to say Windsor-Essex is all about shop local,” said Nantais, participating in the show for the first time. “I can’t believe how many people come out and shop local. It’s awesome.”
According to Nantais, although Windsor is a tight knit community that supports its local businesses, it is still challenging for new entrepreneurs. She said events like W.E. Shop Local are important for small businesses and start-ups to gain exposure and reach new customers.
The event felt like a small bustling city. Shoppers could stroll through the different districts to shop from local artisans and fashioners. To escape the chaos, shoppers could rest in the lounge area and refuel on samples from local restaurants and wineries.
Satisfied shoppers left with full tote bags following an evening of exploring, shopping and tasting what small businesses in Windsor-Essex have to offer.
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