Show your love for local and #ShopInDurham this holiday season!

Whitby, Ontario – Gift-giving season is upon us, and Durham Tourism along with the Durham Economic Task Force (DETF)⁠ are inspiring residents to shop close to home this holiday season—and beyond!  

Shop Where You Live, Shop In Durham is an annual initiative that encourages residents to discover (or rediscover) the amazing local shops and business owners in Durham Region. From eclectic fashion boutiques and international grocers to vintage clothing and home decor shops, Durham Region is home to a unique mix of businesses for you to explore.  

The Region of Durham will also proclaim December 4 to 10 as “Shop in Durham Week,” to celebrate the region’s vibrant and diverse business community. Shop in Durham Week will kick off with a flag-raising ceremony at the community flagpole at Regional Headquarters on December 5 at 9 a.m.  

Another way residents can support local this holiday season is to shop the Durham Is Home Collection Black Friday sale from November 25 to December 2. The Durham is Home Collection includes home and apparel products featuring community icons that spotlight the unique attributes of the communities we call home. Proceeds from the sale of items will be invested into the recovery and restoration of our tourism industry, promoting the businesses, destinations and events that make Durham wonderful. 

To learn more about the Shop In Durham initiative and how you can support local businesses this holiday season, visit ShopInDurham.ca. 

Follow Durham Tourism on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and use the hashtag #ShopInDurham to share your local holiday finds with us.  

Quotes 

“When residents opt to shop locally this holiday season, they’re helping to create local jobs and strengthen our economy. Shop In Durham is a wonderful initiative that celebrates the vibrant communities that make Durham Region a great place to live, work and visit.” 

– John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham 

“Local businesses are at the heart of our communities and essential to economic growth. Shop In Durham is an opportunity to get to know your local business owners and celebrate their contributions to our region—all while finding the perfect gift for loved ones this holiday season.” 

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

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year, the Shop Local Guide is almost here! It’s so imperative that we continue to support our local businesses as we rebuild our economy in Durham Region and this handy guide is jam-packed with amazing organizations who are looking forward to seeing you over the coming months. Please support your neighbour and shop local.” 

 – Talia Lane, President, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade 

“As we come to the end of 2022 we can look back and see the major impact that shopping locally has had on our business community. Brock Township is full of small and family-run businesses who have supported our community in so many ways. They deserve our continued support.” 

–  Elizabeth Burley, President, Brock Board of Trade 

“Durham has it all! Explore what’s in store and enjoy the experience of revisiting your local favourites and discovering new ones. Thank you for continuing to support local business and your community.” 

–  Bonnie Wrightman, Manager of Business Development, Clarington Board of Trade 

“Celebrate this year by buying something unique, from people you know, and support your local community. #RediscoverClarington this holiday season and #ShopInDurham by visiting the great retailers in Newcastle!” 

–  Jim Norwood, President, Newcastle and District Chamber of Commerce 

“The Scugog area is home to many distinctive businesses who provide excellent services and quality products. The Scugog Chamber is excited to have so many great locations, both in Scugog and Durham Region as a whole, to shop at this holiday season. Port Perry's historic downtown and scenic waterfront provide a unique ambiance for shoppers, while they check items off their shopping lists. We hope everyone has the chance to discover the magic of Scugog this year!" 

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

“This holiday season show your hometown pride when you #ShopInDurham. Uxbridge’s businesses have great things in store for you! Enjoy a rural escape to our charming historic downtown and agricultural artisans offering the best flavours in local food and beverage.” 

–  Angela Horne, President, Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce 

“Nurture a sense of community! By shopping in Durham you are creating jobs, keeping money in our local economy and supporting entrepreneurship.” 

–  Natalie Prychitko, CEO, Whitby Chamber of Commerce  

Quick facts: 

• Shop In Durham is an initiative of the Durham Economic Task Force (DETF)⁠—a task force created to support business during the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to advocate for the business community and deliver various recovery programs. For more information, visit InvestDurham.ca/CovidResponse. 
• DETF is comprised of Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism team; all eight local area municipality economic development teams; the Business Advisory Centre of Durham (BACD); Durham Region’s 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 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. 

About Durham Region 

Durham Region is—simply—more. Located on the eastern side of the GTHA, Durham is a region with momentum. Offering a competitive advantage like no other, Durham is a community where talented, smart, diverse and ambitious people—known for their innovation, creativity, skills and education—bring access to world markets, insights, invention and traditions. A place where an innovative ecosystem helps propel new ideas forward. Where ingenuity and industry help tackle global challenges. Visit durham.ca to learn more about one of Canada’s fastest growing communities. 

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