Shopping local is important, especially now as Canada’s economic recovery continues.
That’s why the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to create the #YouGottaShopHereWR campaign to not only put a spotlight on local businesses but bring awareness to the importance of shopping in your own backyard.
“Homegrown businesses are reliable, accessible, hire locally, and provide quality products and services, all the while keeping your hard-earned dollars in the community,” says Cambridge Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Greg Durocher, adding the circular effect local shopping dollars have in the community is almost immeasurable. “Small, local businesses support the needs of our hospital, food bank, shelters, and other care organizations that look after the needs of residents.”
With the support of several community partners, #YouGottaShopHereWR aims to encourage everyone to think local during this holiday season and support small businesses throughout Waterloo Region. Statistics show small businesses made up 98 per cent of employer businesses in Canada in 2020 – with more than half concentrated in Ontario and Quebec.
“The holiday season is an important time for so many businesses, which is why we’re urging everyone to do their part and support them anyway they can,” says Durocher. “And please use the tag #YouGottaShopHereWR to spread the word.”
How to get involved as a business
#YouGottaShopHereWR is a social media campaign that puts one-minute videos on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, as well at YouGottaShopHereWR.ca. Not only will this grow brand awareness for local shoppers, but it also gives businesses a chance to showcase their personality and products in a fun, relatable way. No social media experience is required. Simply shoot your video, upload it, and YouGottaShopHereWR takes care of the rest.
The process is free and easy. Start by clicking on www.yougottashopherewr.ca/get-involved. From there you can see a sample video. There is also a toolkit that includes a script guide and a link to submit your video. Businesses are encouraged to have fun and let their personality shine. You don’t need experience on TikTok or YouTube, everything you need is in the guide.
YouGottaShopHereWR.ca will share your video, and you can promote it too across your social media networks.
How to get involved as a consumer
Visit www.yougottashopherewr.ca and click on the ‘Shoppers’ link. View the videos already uploaded and check back frequently for the newest ones. See all the great makers, producers, and shop owners in your area that you can support. Share the videos on your social media
networks. Help get the conversation started, and always tag your posts with #YouGottaShopHereWR.
Just one initiative from your Chamber
Your local Chambers of Commerce are here to support business and inform consumers. The #YouGottaShopHereWR campaign is just one of the many ways your Chambers work hard in the community. Discover more at www.cambridgechamber.com and www.greaterkwchamber.com; and if you’re a business, visit www.chambercheck.ca for some great ways to keep your workplace safe.