'It's your money, you can spend it how you want': Local business owner redefines ‘shop local’
A local business owner is analyzing what it means to shop local this holiday season.
Iron Kettle Bread Boutique owner Benjamin Leblanc-Beaudoin shared his feelings in a social media post that’s quickly gained traction with the message, don’t feel obligated to support the little guy.
“We have to stop bashing and shaming people about where they need to spend their money and that they aren't doing enough,” Leblanc-Beaudoin said.
He said he’s not surprised at a report from the Bank of Montreal stating 77 per cent of Canadians feel inflation is impacting their holiday spending.
"It's your money. You can spend it how you want," Leblanc-Beaudoin said. “You don't owe anybody anything, especially not businesses."
He believes the phrase ‘support local’ is over used.
However, many in the tourism sector disagree.
Shop #YQG is a marketing and awareness campaign launched in 2020 hoping to keep retail dollars in the community while the world was facing a pandemic.
“The support local campaign has always been about supporting family and friends and people who support local business like never before to help sustain them through this winter shoulder season,” Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, said.
The website serves as a one shop stop for those looking to support local shopping options, and even offers a holiday gift guide.
But Leblanc-Beaudoin says it’s not just local artisans that need our support.
“In Comber we have a Tim Hortons. The people who own it are my friends. They hire people from my community. And they give back more than anyone else. We need them. I need them,” he explained. “It doesn't matter if the company is you know, a multinational because they do have 60 employees."
In the end, Orr says there is room for everyone.
“There's enough business for a big box malls Amazon, but we want you to also consider local because they are the local artisans and makers that live right here in Windsor Essex,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.