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Small independent businesses are the driving force in our local economy and contribute immensely to the vibrancy of our neighbourhoods. We all play a part in their survival, especially during challenging economic times. The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre supports our local businesses year-round, and you too can show your appreciation by shopping local this holiday season.
It’s easy to support small businesses by buying gifts directly from the store, finding unique products at holiday markets and using BIA dollars to shop in main street commercial districts. Have last-minute gifts to buy? Here are some ways to complete your shopping list while supporting small businesses during the holidays.
Get shopping with gift guides
Not sure what gifts to buy or where to shop local? A great starting place is perusing the various Windsor-Essex gift guides. Here are some resources worth checking out.
The 2021 Windsor Essex Holiday Gift Guide features locally crafted and curated products that would make a perfect gift for someone that you care about this holiday season. The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is excited to once again sponsor the guide created by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. Looking for even more local artisans? Check out TWEPI’s list of W.E. Made It businesses.
The folks at WindsorEats have created a slick virtual guidebook filled with locally made treats and items that every local food and drink lover would want.
Local maker markets and shops
The Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market may be done for the season, but here’s other holiday markets continuing through December. These events provide a great opportunity for one-stop shoppping this season.
W.E. Made It: Holiday Market
The City of Windsor’s Bright Lights attraction isn’t only about festive light displays. Bright Lights also features the W.E. Made It: Holiday Market with local artisans, designers, makers and food/beverage vendors. The market is sponsored by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island in partnership with Urban Art Market, Rose City Etsy Team and Windsor Eats. Check out the local vendors every weekend at Jackson Park until Jan. 9, 2022.
YQGMade Cozy Holiday Pop-Up
A handful of local artisans will be selling their wares at Emerson Supply Co.’s new downtown Windsor storefront (419 Pelissier St) on Dec. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The holiday pop-up will feature products such as knit décor, clothing, candles, homewares and more.
Holiday Open Air Market
Oxley Estate Winery in Harrow continues its outdoor patio holiday market on Dec. 18 and 19 from 12-4 p.m. Shoppers can pick up wine gifts as well as sample and purchase soups, savoury pies, sweets and pantry items all while enjoying some live music.
What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory – Christmas Deal Days 2021
Not just a place for locally made popcorn, What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory in Windsor (1395 Tecumseh Rd. E.) also features products from three local makers in-store. Take advantage of their daily Christmas Deal Days 2021 specials between Dec. 16-21 and get discounts on popcorn products as well as clothing and accessories from RARE Apparel and Brand Dead and charcuterie from Marcuterie.
Urban Art Market
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop featuring over 40 local artists and makers from Windsor and Essex County then Urban Art Market is the store for you. The boutique at 548 Chilver Rd. In Walkerville is open daily until Christmas.
These local shops also carry a selection of regional and Canadian-made products:
- Windsor - WhiskeyJack Boutique, Emerson Supply Co., Anchor Coffee House, Little Foot Foods
- Tecumseh – Dressed by an Olive
- Kingsville – The Local Maker, Cindy's Home & Garden, Anna's Garden, Home & Wellness
Big savings big impact with BIA dollars
Business improvement associations (BIA) in Windsor-Essex such as those in Olde Riverside, Essex, Tecumseh, Leamington and Belle River, allow shoppers to purchase BIA dollars at a discount to be spent in neighbourhood stores. The goal of these programs is to create an economic boost to the commercial district, especailly during the Christmas season and the slower retail sales months of January and February. These BIAs still have holiday dollars available:
- Uptown Leamington BIA - Leamington BIA Bucks
- Essex Centre BIA - Essex BIA Downtown Dollars
- Belle River on the Lake BIA - BIA Holiday Dollars
Gift baskets for the undecided shopper
Consider buying a curated collection of local products if you’re one of those shoppers who finds it difficult to select the right gifts for your family and friends. Many independent stores will offer their own gift baskets, but this year the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association has brought back its #ShopLocal Gift Baskets campaign, which features a unique variety of products from stores in the city’s core. Shop safely online for the baskets and order ahead of time to have them delivered now until Dec. 23.
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