Rediscover local businesses and #ShopInDurham this holiday season

Whitby, Ontario – This holiday season—and beyond— Durham Tourism, along with the Durham Region Joint Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, have a special request for residents: Shop where you live, shop in Durham.

The goal of the Shop Where You Live campaign is to raise awareness that buying local will have a big impact for Durham’s economy. The campaign encourages residents to shop local across Durham’s eight area municipalities for their holiday gift-giving.

Shoppers can help support the campaign by using the hashtag #ShopInDurham when sharing their local holiday finds on social media.

The Region of Durham is proclaiming November 28 to December 4 as “Shop in Durham Week,” to celebrate the incredible and diverse business community across Durham. The week will kick-off with a flag raising ceremony on November 29.

To learn more about the campaign and where you can shop local, visit ShopInDurham.ca.

Quotes

“Durham Region is home to a vibrant, diverse, and growing business community that includes an incredible range of product and service offerings. As the holiday season approaches, I want to encourage residents to show their support for our business community by shopping where they live this season and beyond.”

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

“When you shop where you live, you’re supporting your neighbours—local entrepreneurs and employees making a positive impact on your community—all the while discovering special gifts to share with your loved ones this holiday season.”

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

“Discover what Ajax and Pickering’s retailers, restaurants and service providers have to offer! We urge you to #ShopInDurham and give your loved ones a local gift or experience. Shop where you live.”

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

“This holiday season, Shop where you live. Clarington offers a variety of local businesses for you to discover with unique and diverse gift giving options available.”

- Sheila Hall, Executive Director, Clarington Board of Trade

“We encourage residents to shop where they live and show their support for their neighbours. Uxbridge’s entrepreneurs are an important part of our community. Let’s celebrate together!”

- Angela Horne, President, Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce

“Brock Township thrives on our local businesses. You can shop where you live for a variety of gift giving options. This holiday season choose local!”    

- Elizabeth Burley, President, Brock Board of Trade

“Oshawa’s businesses are the heartbeat of our community. Get to know your community or rediscover a neighbourhood by shopping where you live!”

- Jason King, CEO, Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce

“Shop where you live this season. We’ve got it all in Whitby. Visit a local business and bring home something great!”

- Natalie Prychitko, CEO, Whitby Chamber of Commerce

“Celebrate this year by buying something unique, from people you know, and support your local community. Shop where you live, shop in Newcastle.”

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

“This holiday season show your hometown pride by shopping where you live. Scugog’s businesses have great things in store for you!”

- Karey Anne Large, Executive Director, Scugog Chamber of Commerce

Quick Facts

• The Durham Economic Task Force (DETF) is made up of Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism team; all eight Durham Region-area municipal economic development teams, Business Advisory Centre of Durham (BACD); and all of Durham’s Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade. The members also engage with other key stakeholders, such as local Business Improvement Associations. The DETF was formed to support business during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to advocate for the business community and deliver various recovery programs. For more information, visit InvestDurham.ca/CovidResponse.

• 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.

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For media inquiries, please contact Corporate Communications.