City of Calgary encourages people to shop local this holiday season

Mayor Jyoti Gondek got behind the City of Calgary's "support local" message by hitting a few shops in Inglewood on Black Friday.

With supply chain issues disrupting some inventories in big box stores, she said it's an even better time to support local businesses — many of which are well-stocked for the holiday season.

"It is really easy to click buttons and shop online, but you know what's even better? It's getting out of the house, going out with your family, getting out to some of the businesses and restaurants that so desperately need us to support them. Not just at this time of the year but year-round," Gondek said.

For every $100 spent locally, $58 dollars stays in the Calgary's economy, the city said. So spending at local shops and restaurants keeps money in Calgarians' pockets.

A different experience

Supporting local is more than simply purchasing a local product, said Katheleen Janzen, co-founder of Nerd Roller Skates in Inglewood, a full service roller skate shop that's been open since 2012.

"You're getting a whole experience," said Janzen, who is better known as Roxy Acetylene in the roller derby community.

"You're getting service from somebody who cares about your experience as someone who lives in Calgary and as someone who is part of the community."

The holiday shopping period is a crucial time of year for Moonstone Creation, an Indigenous gallery and gift store, and it is well-stocked, said marketing director Mary Dela Torre.

"We do get some of our sales online throughout the year, but it's not nearly the entire inventory that we have," she said.

"The majority of our art comes in for the holidays, too, so we have the most stock."

Last year, some Calgarians stepped up their efforts to support local business. This year, Gondek is asking for the same.

"As you go about your day, please think about the communities in Calgary that have local businesses and how you can support them."