Officials with the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce are urging local residents not to get taken in by sales offered up by large conglomerates.
With Amazon’s annual Prime Day sales coming up next week, Chamber Chair B-J Griffith is urging shoppers to support local businesses.
A statement released by the Chamber says Amazon has steadily gobbled up market share as small businesses across the country have struggled to survive the pandemic, inflation, and rising interest rates and labour costs.
“While Prime Day promises exclusive deals, supporting local businesses is a better choice, when profits stay local, it increases the community’s wealth, tax revenue and standard of living, small businesses and local businesses are still the backbone of our economy,” said Chamber Chair BJ Griffith in a news release. “They are local people serving local people and are generally committed to staying there, raising their families. After all, most businesses started out as a small, local business and earned the success of growing and expanding.”
“Remember, every dollar spent locally strengthens our community fabric,” added Rory Ring, Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce President & CEO. “Let’s celebrate our local heroes—the coffee shop owner, the bookstore owner, the artisan baker. Together, we can build a more resilient, vibrant Chatham-Kent.”
How You Can Make A Difference?
1. Shop Local: Explore independent bookstores, boutiques, and cafes. Your purchase directly supports your neighbors and keeps money circulating within our community.
2. Spread the Word: Share your favorite local finds on social media. Use hashtags like #ShopLocalShopCK and #SupportSmallBusinesses to amplify their voices.
3. Attend Local Events: Check out farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and community festivals. These events celebrate our local artisans and entrepreneurs.
