In the midst of a shopping frenzy, imported from across the border, known as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the BC Greens support Buy Local Week (December 2-8, 2013).
The initiative was started by Vancouver based, LOCO BC. The organization “is working to create a diverse, vibrant local economy by strengthening small andmid-sized businesses. We do this by promoting buy local, by fostering business networking, and by ensuring businesses are on the path to sustainability.”
Despite the temptation to shop across the border or online there are compelling reasons to support local businesses. Shopping locally is incredibly important to the provincial economy.
According to the LOCO BC website,
• 1% increase in BC consumer spending creates 3100 jobs and adds $94 million in annual wages to BC workers;
• For every $100 spent, $46 is re-circulated back into the local economy; and
• Local businesses re-circulate 2.6 times more revenue back into the local economy than multi-national chains. (locobc.com/buylocal/whybuylocal/)
As we approach the holiday season, BC Greens encourage British Columbians to buy local. The BC Greens are committed to putting British Columbia first and that means supporting local innovators, artisans and entrepreneurs in building strong local economies. By investing in locally owned businesses we will strengthen the economy, create jobs, build resilience in our communities and find unique, high quality and fabulous gifts for your friends and family.