Local businesses are asking the public to think local first, as the third annual Think Local Week rolls out next week. Think Local First Victoria is an initiative consisting of Greater Victoria business owners that aims to encourage residents to shop at local businesses.

B次元官网网址淭he primary focus of Think Local Week is to educate the public on the benefits of buying local,B次元官网网址� said Gayle Robinson, president of Think Local First Victoria and owner of Robinson's Outdoor Store. B次元官网网址淲hen you spend 10 per cent of your money locally, 25 per cent more stays in Victoria.B次元官网网址�

Think Local Week runs from Dec. 1 to 7. Through promotion in all participating businesses, Robinson hopes to raise the profile of local businesses.

B次元官网网址淚 think Victoria has a huge appetite for supporting local businesses,B次元官网网址� said Robinson.

Nigel Brown, vice-president of Think Local First Victoria and owner of Ruffell & Brown Window Fashions, said local businesses create a unique, competitive shopping experience in a community.

B次元官网网址淭he biggest misconception is a lot of people think local independent businesses are not competitive in terms of pricing,B次元官网网址� said Brown. B次元官网网址淣ot only are we competitive, but you get a lot more service and other benefits you might not get at some of the other places.B次元官网网址�

Along with creating awareness, Think Local First will also be hosting a social media campaign, in which they will be giving away $1,000 in gift cards throughout the week via Facebook and Twitter.

In the new year, Think Local First Victoria will be launching a new loyalty card campaign.

Think Local First has over 165 businesses as members in Greater Victoria, 20 of which will be used as a test for the pilot project.

Shoppers will have one card that can be used at any of the participating businesses, where they will earn points on their purchases. Those points can then be redeemed online for products or gift cards, for example.

B次元官网网址淚t's not something that's normally available for smaller business,B次元官网网址� said Brown. B次元官网网址淚t will encourage consumers to support local businesses.B次元官网网址�

The idea came out of Portland's Supportland program.

B次元官网网址淲e will be the first Canadian launch,B次元官网网址� said Robinson.

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