Small Business Saturday reminds shoppers to love local
While many people have their minds on getting the best Black Friday deal, local businesses are asking shoppers to consider them, as some owners feel the pandemic push of supporting local fade away.
Small Business Saturday marks the day after holiday shoppers go bargain hunting at malls and chain stores to champion local creators and producers.
"Black Friday is all about the big box stores and marking down sales and hoards of people shopping," explained Tracy Losey, owner and operator of Parcel + Prose on 124 Street.
"We're trying to say, okay, the little guys need you too."
Losey says over the pandemic, there was a strong momentum to patronize local boutiques and stores.
"It's actually kind of slipped backwards again," Losey said.
"Local business is really important to the community," she added. "You are not only supporting the business next door, but you are also supporting the family that owns that business.
"We are also employing people who live in the neighbourhood, we are supporting artisans who are making things."
Andrew Danyleyko, an employee at Daisy Chain Book Company, says shopping at a small retailer gives you a chance to get more personalized service and recommendations.
"There's a lot of added value," Danyleyko said. "It's just fun and a way to connect to people."
The small used and new bookstore opened two years ago and hosts local author meet and greets and themed book nights to not only connect customers with each other but the greater literary scene in Edmonton.
"When you purchase something at the store, like Daisy Chain, it directly helps people here and the money often goes right back into the community," he said.
"Really, when you are supporting a small store, you are supporting a whole community," Losey echoed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | 2 children dead, 6 injured after city bus crashes into daycare in Montreal suburb Laval, driver arrested
Two children are dead and six others are injured after a Laval city bus crashed into a daycare Wednesday morning. The driver of the bus, a 51-year-old man, has been arrested and faces charges of homicide and dangerous driving, police say.

Bank of Canada releases details on interest rate decision for the first time
The Bank of Canada released a summary of its Governing Council meetings on Wednesday, providing the public and financial institutions with more insight into the central bank’s decision to raise its key interest rate on Jan. 25.
DEVELOPING | Netflix Canada begins password sharing crackdown
Netflix Canada is rolling out its long-anticipated plans to crack down on password sharing, saying it will begin notifying Canadian users today by email about limitations.
Awkward moment or conscious message? Political experts weigh in on Danielle Smith-Justin Trudeau handshake
An 'awkward' attempt at a handshake between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the prime minister Tuesday is another example of leaders from the western province hesitating before shaking Justin Trudeau's hand, say political experts.
How much Canadians have fallen behind amid high inflation and who's hurting the most
Inflation has eroded purchasing power for many Canadians, but the experience with rapidly rising prices has been far from uniform.
Mama's boys: Killer whale mothers sacrifice for sons into their adulthood, new study shows
The sacrifices female killer whales continue to make for their sons well after they are weaned is negatively affecting their reproductive health, according to new scientific research.
Turkiye-Syria earthquake: How to give to rescue and recovery efforts
In the aftermath of the deadly earthquake that struck Syria and Turkiye, Canadians are donating money and supplies to rescue and relief efforts there. CTVNews.ca rounds up ways you can contribute to charities based in Canada and abroad.
'Crypto king' associate operated parallel Ponzi scheme while living lavish lifestyle, court documents allege
An associate of Ontario’s self-described “crypto king” was operating his own fraud scam parallel to the multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme, court documents allege.
opinion | Before you do your taxes, take note of these tax credits and deductions you may not have known about
Many Canadians are experiencing strains caused by the increased cost of living and inflation. In his exclusive column for CTVNews.ca, contributor Christopher Liew shares some of the top credits and deductions that you may be able to claim on your income tax return to help you save money.