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Whitby, Ontario –Shop in Durham Week takes place from December 1 to 7, and there’s no better time to get a head start on all your gift-giving needs. During the holiday season and beyond, there are big reasons to shop small. When you shop local, you help to build community, bring uniqueness to your neighbourhood, encourage entrepreneurship, and keep money in the local economy.
Whether it’s up the street or across town, you don’t need to go far in Durham Region to find standout shopping destinations. With 14 distinct downtowns—each offering a charming shopping experience—shoppers can be sure to uncover hidden gems, from one-of-a-kind boutiques to artisan shops to makers’ markets and everything in between.
The Shop in Durham campaign, an initiative of Durham Tourism in partnership with the Durham Economic Task Force (DETF), kicks off with a flag-raising ceremony at Regional Headquarters on December 2. Shoppers are invited to share their local finds on social media using the hashtag #ShopInDurham and tag @DurhamTourism in their posts.
Need some inspiration? Follow Durham Tourism on Facebook and Instagram for locally-sourced gift-giving ideas and visit ShopInDurham.ca for a handy guide of places to shop.
Quotes
“Small businesses form the backbone of our neighbourhoods and enrich lives far beyond the financial transaction. They create a sense of community and provide livelihoods that help make Durham Region thrive. Shop in Durham week is a great opportunity to celebrate everything local in our region.”
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham
“In an age of global markets and e-commerce, when you Shop in Durham, you are not only supporting a local business here at home, but also investing in the economic vitality of your community. This week offers a chance to honour the contributions of our small business community in Durham Region.”
- Simon Gill, Director, Economic Development and Tourism
“This holiday season, Shop Durham and support the small businesses that make our community unique. Every purchase helps local entrepreneurs thrive, creates jobs, and strengthens the fabric of our neighborhoods. Together, we can make this season brighter by choosing to invest in the people and places that bring our community to life.”
- Alli Leetham, Executive Director, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
“Relax, shop and dine when you celebrate Shop in Durham week in the Township of Brock. This holiday season, embrace the spirit of supporting local businesses by exploring the unique boutique shops on the main streets of Sunderland, Cannington, and Beaverton.”
- John C. Grant, President, Brock Board of Trade
“We are proud to be part of a community built by small businesses that are dedicated to providing an experience. This holiday season and beyond, we encourage you to revisit your favourite local shops and flavours while discovering new ones. Shopping local extends beyond products and services—it creates unique experiences. Shop in Durham Week is a great opportunity to celebrate and support small business.”
- Bonnie Wrightman, Executive Director, Clarington Board of Trade
“Supporting small businesses during Shop in Durham Week is one of the most impactful things you can do for our North Durham community. Beyond the unique, handmade, and locally crafted gifts and experiences on offer, there’s a welcoming, friendly charm awaiting you. Each purchase directly strengthens our local economy, creates jobs, and helps preserve the character and warmth of our vibrant communities.”
- Kristen Meyer-Creamer, Interim Executive Director, North Durham Chamber of Commerce
"When we support local businesses, we're investing in the unique character and resilience of our community. Shop in Durham Week is a wonderful reminder of the role each small business plays in enriching our neighbourhoods and driving economic vitality in Durham Region. Let’s celebrate and uplift our local entrepreneurs this season and beyond."
- Jason King, CEO, Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce
"Support small businesses, fuel economic growth—shop Durham! This Shop in Durham Week, every purchase you make helps local entrepreneurs thrive and strengthens our community. Together, we’re building a brighter, more vibrant future for our region!"
- Karey Anne Large, Interim CEO, Whitby Chamber of Commerce
Quick facts:
- DETF is made up of Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism Division; all eight local area municipality economic development teams; the Business Advisory Centre of Durham (BACD); Durham’s local chambers of commerce and boards of trade; and other key partners, including Business Improvement Areas (BIAs).
- The Durham Region Joint Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade represent the eight chambers and boards Durham Region. Together, they are the voice of nearly 3,000 local businesses and organizations.
About Durham Region
Nestled between lakes Ontario, Simcoe and Scugog lies Durham Region. A landscape that's made up of urban, rural, and commercial zones—from rolling hills and farmland, to bustling downtowns and industrial lands. Our large, diverse landscape is driving our position as one of the fastest growing populations in Canada; with forecasted population growth to approximately one million residents by 2041. Visit durham.ca to learn more.
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