WATCH ABOVE: In the glow of Black Friday, Edmonton businesses are hoping you’ll think of them. Laurel Gregory reports.
EDMONTON — As shoppers across the continent flock to big box stores in search of Black Friday deals, small businesses hope to get a piece of the pie.
Edmonton’s Carbon Environmental Boutique, which is “all about non-toxic living,” is taking a bit of an unconventional approach to attract Christmas shoppers. For the second year, it’s having an “anti-Black Friday non-sale” in an effort to get people to support its fare.
“We probably have the most made-in-Canada products out of any store in Edmonton,” says owner Allison MacLean.
“We’re supporting products that are made ethically. People are paid living wages, products aren’t subsidized by someone else’s labour or someone who’s living in property. So we really wanted to promote that and bring awareness to it as well.”
Here’s one photo the boutique has used to promote the day:
MacLean realizes the “non-sale” may appear counter-intuitive to some people. But it seemed to work last year: the boutique reportedly saw a 30 per cent boost in sales.
“We’re hoping to start a movement to really create some excitement about local business.”
MacLean believes the independent shops are also what give a city its character.
“The more money you spend in your local economy, the more that money stays in the economy,” adds Vikki Wiercinski, co-organizer of Royal Bison Art and Craft Fair happening this weekend.
The event boasts 70 local artisans selling their fare. Attendance has doubled in just a few years, according to Wiercinksi. She estimates the event attracted about 4,000 people last year.
But, of course, there are those whose main priority is to cut costs when holiday shopping. Some of them could be found in places like Toys ‘R Us on Friday, stocking up on half-priced toys and discounted video games.
READ MORE: Want to avoid toy overload this holiday? 5 alternative gift ideas for kids
“I came here and I’m getting almost everything I need,” said Amanda Coombs, who had a cart full of presents for her kids, nieces and nephews.
Meanwhile, anti-consumerists are getting ready to mark ‘Buy Nothing Day’ on Nov. 29. The international day of protest was started by a Vancouver artist in 1992.
Others plan on staying away from malls during the holiday season altogether; instead, opting to do their shopping online. A recent survey commissioned by Google found that about one in three Canadians said they would rely on e-commerce to purchase all their gifts. That figure is up 50 per cent compared to the results of a similar survey conducted last year.
What are your holiday shopping plans? Let us know in the comments section below!
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With files from Laurel Gregory, Global News
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