‘Tis the Season to Shop Local

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Shop local and visit some of the small businesses in your neighbourhood by visiting 411.ca

The holiday season is just around the corner. Although it may feel like November just started, the weekend of Black Friday and Cyber Monday mark the beginning of the holiday shopping season. About 65% of holiday shoppers have said they would abandon their purchase if the line was too long according to the Accenture Canada Holiday Shopping survey. But if you represent the rest of Canadians who plan to hit the shops for your holiday buys and are looking for less stress and better quality, we have the solution for you – shop local!

Support small business

Aside from the unique gifts you can find in local shops, you have the added benefit of supporting your local economy and entrepreneurs in your neighbourhood. Plus, supporting small businesses is helpful for the environment and helps to shape the local community.

To find a list of local retailers and small businesses to shop from this holiday season visit 411.ca.

Shop artisans and local vendors

This time of year, Holiday Markets are some of the best places to find unique gifts. With food, live music, artisan booths and activities for kids, what better way to make memories with your friends and family? Here are a few Holiday Christmas markets worth checking out:

• Christkindl – A Festival of German Christmas: Kitchener, Ontario; Dec 1-4
• Blue Mountain Christmas: Collingwood, Ontario; November 26-27
• Toronto Christmas Market: Toronto, Ontario; November 18-December 22
• Seasons Christmas Show: Toronto, Ontario; November 18- 20
• One of a Kind Show: Toronto, Ontario; November 24 to December 4

Missed the holiday markets? Visit these local neighbourhoods

Toronto is known for its unique shops and local businesses. Shopping local this holiday season won’t be difficult if you know where to look. Some neighbourhoods worth exploring include:

• Kensington Market
• Cabbagetown
• Chinatown
• West Queen West
• Pape Village

Think outside the box (or gift bag)

Holiday shopping can be overwhelming, so we’ve come up with a few gift suggestions:

• Take pressure off your family this holiday season and get your holiday party catered 
• Consider treating your loved ones to a spa day
• Buy the lucky person who shovels the driveway a season of snow removal

We hope these suggestions will encourage you to shop local this holiday season. If not to avoid the hair-pulling stress of shopping malls and department stores, do it to support your local economy.

Tweet us the names of small businesses you’ll be supporting this holiday season at @411dotca.

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