Even as many Canadians trim their holiday budgets this year, several small businesses in Dartmouth, N.S., say they’re seeing improved sales this holiday season as shoppers make a conscious effort to buy local. Coastal Cove Candle Company co-owner Mikaela Kadechuk says the holiday season has been busier than usual. “We wouldn’t be able to do this without people supporting us. This is our dream,” said Kadechuk, who credits new and returning customers. TD Bank just released a holiday shopping survey that shows 36 per cent of Canadians plan to cut back on holiday spending, and 60 per cent say groceries and essentials will take up most of their holiday budget. The numbers also show half of Canadians are shopping local to avoid shipping fees. On the streets in downtown Dartmouth, many shoppers told CTV News they plan to support local this Christmas where they can. “I definitely try to shop local as much as possible” said Derke Simon, adding their family often buys experience-based gifts like concert tickets, all sourced for venues close to home. Another shopper said spending a few extra dollars is worth it. “If it’s helping somebody else here than I don’t mind,” said Janet Terrio. “That’s the way I see it.” It’s a trend echoed at Lake City Cider and Darty Brewing, where owner Poet Comeau says more holiday shoppers are stopping in. “I think it goes both ways,” said Comeau. “We want to represent our community and so we want to provide an experience or products that they feel they need or want, and we hope that quality is reflected back to them.” The Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission says the area’s independent shops offer unique, locally made gifts shoppers won’t find in big-box stores and that local loyalty is helping to keep the season bright for small business owners. “The relationship between the business community and the neighborhood is really tight and when someone wants to buy something unique for a loved one they can find here in downtown Dartmouth,” said Tim Rissesco with the DDBC.
