#Supportlocal, #ShoplocalMB, #ShoplocalWPG, #SaveMBrestaurants -- there are a number of hashtags trending in online social circles and they all have one thing in common: supporting local businesses. As Economic Development Winnipeg and Tourism Winnipeg like to say, we want to be here for local businesses so they are here to stay (#HereforitWPG). Here is a roundup of campaigns and sources to help you shop from home safely and locally:
1. Tourism Winnipeg’s 30 Days of Gift Giving
Tourism Winnipeg is giving away gift cards and gift boxes from more than 30 businesses on a different social media channel every day (Monday-Friday) until December 23. You can also see a constant stream of content on local businesses, restaurants and gift giving ideas for the whole family on pegcitygrub.com and onlyinthepeg.com.
2. Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is highlighting and promoting its business members for the holiday season. The 12-day Shop Local campaign lists member businesses offering curbside pickup, local delivery and online shopping options. The Chamber will also be providing advice and resources to Winnipeg businesses to help them strengthen or shift to e-commerce.
3. #ShoplocalMB
The Province of Manitoba is promoting this hashtag to encourage all Manitobans to support local. Check out some one-stop holiday-shop options in Winnipeg: LovelocalMB, fetchlocal.ca, MadehereMB, TheLocalsWinnipeg, The Peg and goodlocal.ca.
4. Travel Manitoba ‘Shop Local’ pledge
Travel Manitoba has created a ‘Shop Local Pledge’ and if you sign up, you can also be entered to win one of 30- $150 gift cards to a local shop of your choice! Gift cards are awarded from shops that are currently closed and offering curb-side pickup. Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg have also joined forces with Manitoba influencers who know how to shop right and local for your loved ones. So, keep an eye out for great finds under #shoplocalWPG, #shoplocalMB and #HereForItWPG from all the favourites you love to follow. You can start with these gems: This Battered Suitcase (Brenna Holeman) and Brains + Bronzed (Cassidy Coutts).
5. #Localsupportinglocal
Inspired by CFIB’s #Smallbusinesseveryday effort, Diamond Gallery is partnering with some of Winnipeg’s amazing restaurants like Fusion, Feast, Harth and La Pampa to name a few. Anyone who purchases gifts online from Diamond Gallery gets a $25 gift card to one of the partner restaurants.
6. West End BIZ
This BIZ has been celebrating and promoting 14 local businesses in its hood with holiday gift boxes. Each gift box is available for purchase online until December 11th and can be picked up on December 16th. #supportlocalwpg
7. #MadeinWinnipeg/#Winnipegmakers
Many large craft shows have had to cancel because of restrictions on large gatherings but you can still support local artisans by finding them through these hashtags on Insta or discovering more at the online maker movement shopmalyy. Don’t forget to feed your cravings for local and organic makers online from places like St. Norbert Farmers’ Market or Crampton’s Market.
8. #SaveMBrestaurants
Social media expert Susie Erjavec-Parker pushed out this hashtag to get people talking and supporting Manitoba restaurants and it took off like cronuts in 2013 with support on social channels here in Manitoba and across other provinces. To that end, check out Let’s Order Delivery, where you can order delivery directly from your most cherished neighbourhood restaurants.
9. #Bitebacklocalchallenge
This “Support Local! Buy Local! Challenge” was started by Around the World in Winnipeg. People buy from their favourite restaurants, shops or artisans, post and tag the business on Facebook or Instagram, and then challenge someone else to do it. There is also a chance to win prizes.
10. Online shopping gift guide gurus
Too many choices stressing you out? Get some top-shelf advice from people who have already done the hard work for you. Search under ALL THE HASHTAGS because these local influencers have local gift guides galore. You just browse and pick what you need NOW. Here are few to check out: chanellelagasse, saigetaylor and consciouslychristine. Travel Manitoba also has a great Manitoba-themed gift guide.
Keep this handy guide bookmarked...We’re #hereforit. All of it. We’ll update this page as more #supportlocal campaigns come in to support your efforts to shop local and show love to Winnipeg businesses.