8 Ways to Support Vancouver Businesses During the Holiday Season

VanDusen Botanical Garden with Christmas lights; support local this holiday season

Photo: VanDusen Botanical Garden

Did you know that buying a gift card from your favourite coffee shop means more to them than you could ever know? As we switch into festive mode, it’s more important than ever to support our local businesses.

There are so many ways to show Vancouver businesses some love this holiday season — even the smallest purchase or a just a share on social media makes a difference.

 

Until December 7, in line with the public health order issued on November 20, non-essential travel into and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents let’s do our part by continuing to stay local and support local, with your immediate household or bubble, in accordance with the latest guidelines.

 

Why it’s important to shop local

 

  • Local business is essential for Vancouver’s economy
  • Local businesses are a part of our community; they are what makes our city unique
  • The financial strain of the pandemic on local businesses — from coffee shops to hotels — has been a heavy one; shopping local is what will keep these shops, restaurants, etc open!
  • It will make you feel good!

 

Here are some great ways to support Vancouver businesses this holiday season:

Gift local

Look at your gift list, and check it twice. Then do your shopping at your favourite local shops (in person or online). Or perhaps consider these goodies available from the online stores of Vancouver attractions.

Support local. Settlement Building gift card in Vancouver

Photo: Vancouver Urban Winery

Buy gift cards

Three reasons for this:

  1. It gives your favourite local shops, cafes, attractions, hotels, service providers, breweries, wineries and restaurants — you name it — income that helps keep them open.
  2. They are easy to mail.
  3. You’ve given your giftee (or yourself) the gift of choice for later.

Holiday lights date night

It’s cold outside, but it’s one of the safest places for us to be. Bundle up for a date night or evening with your immediate household or core bubble at one of the outdoor light displays in the Vancouver area.

Order takeout or delivery

If you have the means, consider a weekly takeout order from your favourite *insert your favourite cuisine here* restaurant. Several Mexican restaurants in Vancouver now offer at-home taco kits, and really, most takeout and delivery options are in “world is your oyster” territory

As many restaurants and hotel restaurants did for Thanksgiving, they will also offer take-home Christmas dinner kits — stay tuned for that!

Waiter serving wine at Province Marinaside restaurant in Vancouver

Photo: Provence Marinaside

Tip service workers extra

The hospitality industry has been hit hard by the pandemic. Staff at Vancouver restaurants are doing their absolute best to keep Vancouverites safe. If you’re able, recognize their efforts with a stellar tip.

Connect and share on social

Where would we be without social media in 2020? Local businesses have amped up their social media presence — a share, like or comment are an amazing, free way to help them spread the word about a promotion, hours, etc.

Leave a good review

The power of a five-star Google or Yelp review is incredibly strong. And we as consumers have a great responsibility — if you love your local, make sure the rest of the city knows it!

Vancouver staycation Vancouver

Photo: Yasmine Hardcastle

Book a staycation

We can’t travel abroad these days, but we can get out of the house. A cityhotel staycation is a nice treat for yourself, a romantic weekend, or as a gift for the COVID newlyweds.

Back in September, my partner and I had a staycation at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre and it was delightful. It was so nice to have room service, a beautiful dinner in the hotel restaurant and sleep in a famous Heavenly Bed with a gorgeous view of our beautiful city.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]How will you support local businesses this holiday season? Be sure to tag us @inside_vancouver on Instagram so we can share the holiday spirit![/perfectpullquote]

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