The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce has launched its annual ‘shop local’ campaign with the holiday shopping season under way. CEO of The Chamber, Jason Aebig, says even a ten per cent shift in spending can make a big difference. He says, “All of those people that your are going to meet in these Saskatoon-based businesses, they live here. They work here. They have families here, They have mortgages and rents here. They contribute to community causes here. All of those people behind those products are our neighbours.”

The more we do to make sure our dollars are being spent locally, Aebig stresses, means the more we are supporting them and by extension our community. He understands the convenience of online shopping, and reminds everyone that many local businesses began online shopping availabilities during the pandemic, so you can still shop online and support a local business. The Chamber’s message is to “shop, eat, sip and enjoy totally locally”.

Aebig understands it has been a challenging year for individuals and businesses with high inflation and interest rates, especially earlier in the year.”So this year has not been easy, for sure, and I think we have the last quarter of the year to really, really make a difference for these folks and make sure our local economy is humming, heading into 2025.” The Chamber’s CEO says local businesses create jobs, support livelihoods and invest in community projects and local charities.