Support Local B.C. Shops this Holiday Season

October has officially come to an end, and while most of us are packing away the spooky decorations, retailers, without skipping a beat, have already whipped out the advent calendars, overtly reminding us that Christmas is right around the corner.

If you’re like me and loathe the stress of crowded malls, procrastination, budgeting, deciding who’s on your list, etc… Do yourself a favour and start planning early.

This year, to take matters into my own hands, I embrace the fact that Christmas does indeed start the minute after Halloween.

I’m sure others can agree that 2020 has been quite a tumultuous year. Lockdowns, curfews, and the pandemic frenzy have us trying to navigate the unseen affecting both individuals and our beloved local B.C. shops alike.

So this year, instead of depending on huge companies like Amazon, I’m going to make an effort to shop smaller and slower as best I can.

Let’s bid 2020 adieu with a strong finale by supporting our local farmers, artisans, boutiques, and restaurants that have been hit extra hard this year.

There are lots of people doing cool things here in this city and I’ll be sharing some of my finds with you in this post but first, here are some interesting things to note when you decide to support your local B.C. shops.

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Why support your local B.C. shops?

You have the power to create more jobs for locals

Because you’re contributing locally, you’re creating demand for local products and services, this causes local businesses to expand by creating jobs for your fellow neighbours.

You help elevate the local economy

When we choose local businesses over the non-local alternatives, more money stays in our local economy. According to LOCO BC, about 63% of money spent at local businesses recirculates locally, compared to 14% for multinationals. This means that the remaining 86% leaves the economy.

You help local businesses support other local businesses

Local businesses often have the incentive to support other local businesses. Independent B.C. businesses tend to spend up to 31.4% of their revenue on B.C. products and services.

You get to know the people behind the business

People love supporting other people, especially within their local communities. When you get to know the owners behind the local businesses, you build a connection you would not otherwise have.

You help build a more connected community

You’re building relationships that help your community prosper. When people shop local, it also means that the tax money stays in the community. You’re helping to fund local community improvement projects. So since we’re all paying taxes, may as well support local projects that impact our day-to-day lives.

You help reduce the environmental impacts

Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.

You receive better & more personalized customer service

Having the owner nearby also means that the owner personally knows his customers. They know the products you buy or the services you request regularly and can tailor services to make your experience even better.

Buying local has benefits beyond mere convenience. When you support local business owners, you get a better level of service, as well as helping make your community a better place to live.

These are just a few reasons why you should support local. For more resources, check out LOCO BC.

Local Products & Shops We’re Loving

Apparel

Jessica Redditt Designs – Browse the collection of contemporary pieces made with natural fibres and dyes (I’m personally contemplating this silk co-ord set, see below) 

Delayne Dixon – An independent, eco-conscious luxury womenswear brand that’s making waves in the fashion world. The fabric they use is 65% recycled material and dead-stock. Check out their Zero Waste collection for more thoughtfully-crafted, sustainable accessories.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by DELAYNE DIXON (@delaynedixon) on Sep 5, 2020 at 8:27am PDT

Eugene Choo – This trendy boutique carries high-quality Canadian brands like Erin Templeton, Strathcona Stockings, Allison Wonderland and a selection of other unique International brands.

Pac West Kimono-Vintage – Japanese apparel, slippers, and other accessories. Their traditional reversible “Hanten” coats are exceptionally beautiful and would make great house robes to keep your warm all winter.

Woo To See You – Small shop, big selection. Browse trendy apparel, jewelry, shoes, accessories, apothecary and so much more.

Much & Little – An indie lifestyle boutique filled with curated home goods, apparel and other special accessories.

Accessories & Jewelry

So.ll.ar – Beautifully crafted handpainted scarves

41st Ivy Collection – These super fun, contemporary handcrafted polymer clay earrings make the perfect statement piece.

Silver Suspensions – Handcrafting jewelry in British Columbia for over 30 years with nickel-free sterling silver, 14K gold, bronze & copper.

Kim Legler – Haven’t you heard? Hair scrunchies are cool again. Relive your 90’s with these modernized scrunchies fit for the 21st century.

Health & Wellness

Happy Bloomers – Check up on your chakras with Happy Bloomer’s aromatherapy products and meditation accessories. Let their meditative singing bowls tune out your 2020 worries…

Fig Face – Treat yourself or a friend to a high tech clean facial at the world’s first clean skincare bar!

Penny Frances Apothecary – Keep your skin and haircare in check with Penny Frances’ beautiful botanical oils, mists and balms.

JayC.Collections – Tired of running low on cotton rounds? Consider switching over to eco-friendly, reusable cotton rounds from JayC.Collections. If you’re feeling *extra* fancy, you can even get your cotton-rounds personalized!

Home Goods

Mala the Brand – Insta-ready, eco-friendly, hand-poured soy candles in the most adorable tiny tin cans which you can repurpose afterwards. They even carry a cereal scented candle! Anyone else weirdly getting Momofuku milk bar vibes?

Vancouver Special – A fun place I like to pop into whenever I’m feeling insecure about my decor choices or if I just need some inspiration. Browse through a vast selection of contemporary home goods, furniture, and art books.

Walrus Home – A contemporary lifestyle boutique where you can find unique home goods, accessories, clothing, jewelry and so much more.

Woodlot – Premium, clean, natural, plant-based home & body basics. Indulge in your minimalistic desires and be inspired to start your own rituals.

Itsumo – Inspired by tradition, Itsumo carries a careful selection of high-quality, Japanese home goods and crafts.

Kids

Happy Baby – Feed your baby in style with modern dishware that won’t clash with the rest of your dinnerware aesthetic.

Littlecodr – Encourage STEM education with Littlecodr, a card game designed to introduce kids to the basics of coding

Hip Baby – A one-stop-shop for new parents. Find everything under the sun that’s related to child-rearing here. 

Bookshops to Support

Lucky’s Books and Comics

Pulp Fiction Books

Book Warehouse

Massy Books

Iron Dog Books

Paper Hound Book Shop

Ready to help your community?
Start with our list of 200+ independent businesses in and around Vancouver

Do you have a favourite local B.C. shop or a favourite must-have product? Share your thoughts with us in the comments or send us an email, we’d love to hear from you!