Revue de presse | Buy Local campaigns a lifeline for struggling small businesses in Vaudreuil-Soulanges

When so-called “non-essential” stores were forced to close in the last COVID-19 lockdown, Montrealers in need of mittens, clothing, housewares, books, toys, gifts, or other goods had no choice but to shop online. Now that local merchants can reopen their doors and take down the do-not-sell signs, will local buyers hoof it to the store, or just keep on clicking the buy buttons online?

There’s no question which choice creates more jobs and more wealth for our community. Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges officials noted that for every $100 spent in a locally owned business, $68 ends up recirculated within the community, compared to just $43 if the same amount was spent at a big chain store.

Several Buy Local campaigns are now in the works to spotlight small businesses and try and keep more of our dollars in our community, including a few online directories where businesses can promote their offerings for free or at little cost. There’s Achat Local VS, spearheaded by Développement Vaudreuil-Soulanges, for example, and Le Panier Bleu, a French-only directory of Quebec businesses promoted by the provincial government.

Keep reading