Help support local and #ShopInDurham this holiday season

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Tourism, and the Durham Region Joint Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, have launched the new #ShopInDurham campaign with a special request for residents this holiday season: shop local.

The goal of the campaign is to spread the message that buying local will have a big impact for small businesses, while encouraging residents to shop local for their holiday gift-giving.

Shoppers can help spread the message of support by using the hashtag #ShopInDurham when sharing their holiday finds on social media; this is an opportunity for consumers to participate in the campaign and enter to win local products and services from Durham-based businesses.

Follow Durham Tourism on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and use #ShopInDurham for your chance to win one of eight grand prizes—including gift cards to businesses, restaurants and hotels across the region, and free opportunities to safely explore some of the amazing experiences Durham has to offer. Giveaway details will be posted on Durham Tourism’s social media accounts.

To learn more about the campaign and how you can support local, visit ShopInDurham.ca.

For a list of local businesses in Durham Region, visit DurhamTourism.ca. To find “main street” shops, restaurants and virtual services, visit DowntownsOfDurham.ca.

Quotes

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Durham has continued to show incredible support to our local business community. As the holiday season approaches, I want to encourage residents to continue showing their support by spending their dollars locally. Now, more than ever, we have to support local and ensure our local business community stays Durham Strong.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Region of Durham

“Durham Region is home to thousands of businesses, including independent main street shops, home-based businesses and more. When you shop in Durham, you’re supporting local entrepreneurs in growing thriving businesses and making a positive impact on your community—all the while discovering unique gifts to share with your loved ones this holiday season.”

- Simon Gill, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Region of Durham

“Discover what our local retailers, restaurants and service providers have to offer! We urge you to #ShopInDurham and give your loved ones a unique gift or local experience. Local entrepreneurs have always supported our communities—through job creation, sponsorship opportunities, and by creating the places and experiences where we make memories. Now is our time to support them.”

- Nicole Gibson, Executive Director, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade

“With the holidays just around the corner, what better time to support our local businesses and discover the unique gift giving options available. Grab your coat and mask, take a walk and meet the amazing and resilient business owners that are eager to help you find that perfect gift. Shopping local matters. Stay safe, wear a mask, maintain physical distancing, and help keep our economy moving when you #ShopInDurham.”

- Sheila Hall, Executive Director, Clarington Board of Trade

“We encourage residents to get out and purchase gifts or gift cards from our many local businesses, service providers and restaurants in Uxbridge. Even a small showing of support can be the holiday miracle needed by our many striving entrepreneurs.”

- Angela Horne, President, Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce

“Our local businesses not only have an amazing selection for you to choose from they are also the reason our township thrives. This holiday season choose local, choose Durham!”    

- Elizabeth Burley, President, Brock Board of Trade

“The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce has been supporting local business since 1928. This year, more than ever, it’s important for local vendors and the community to come together with a supportive and caring approach to the holiday season. Stay safe and rediscover your neighbourhood!”

- Nancy Shaw, CEO, Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce

“Holiday shopping made easy! Celebrate and support our local business community while making your holiday shopping easy, unique and affordable. #ShopInDurham and support local entrepreneurs that are a critical part of our economic fabric. Shopping in Durham means you are supporting the local economy: driving business, employment and ensuring a strong community for years to come.”

- Natalie Prychitko, CEO, Whitby Chamber of Commerce

“In these difficult times – stay local and shop local. Newcastle has plenty of small businesses that need your support, now, more than ever. #ShopInDurham and stay safe this holiday season.”

- Jane Black, President, Newcastle & District Chamber of Commerce

“The Scugog Chamber has always been Hometown Proud. This holiday season we are encouraging our community to be proud and shop with local retailers. There are so many products and services to discover!”

- Tony Janssen, Chair, Scugog Chamber of Commerce

Quick Facts

• This November, the Region of Durham and Downtown Whitby Business Improvement Area (BIA) will be launching the Shop Durham Region marketplace. Just in time for holiday shopping, the new online marketplace will provide residents with a streamlined shopping experience where they can purchase products from multiple stores in a single transaction. Purchases will be collected through curbside and/or in-store pick-up, or through shipping options offered by each vendor. Durham businesses are encouraged to visit ShopDurhamRegion.ca and sign up for free access to sell their products and services online.
  • The Region of Durham, in collaboration with local business improvement areas (BIAs), created an online platform—Downtowns of Durham—to support the region’s vibrant downtown-area businesses during COVID-19. Visit DowntownsOfDurham.ca to virtually explore the region’s many “main street” shops, restaurants and services.
  • The Durham Region Joint Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade represents the eight chambers of commerce and boards of trade in Durham Region. Together, they represent the voice of nearly 3,000 local businesses and organizations.
  • The Durham Economic Task Force—made up of the Region of Durham’s Economic Development and Tourism team, all eight local area municipalities, Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD), all Durham Chambers and Boards of Trade, Durham College, Ontario Tech University and Trent University Durham GTA—advocates for the urgent needs of our business community and support the delivery of various programs to eligible businesses in Durham Region. For support, visit InvestDurham.ca/CovidResponse.

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For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.