North Battleford''s FF2 Fashion manager Tammy Ramsay. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Support for retailers

Chamber, businesses asking residents to shop local during holiday season

Dec 2, 2020 | 5:19 PM

Area chamber of commerce representatives are encouraging people to shop local this holiday season to help merchants and the economy during the pandemic.

Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Chief Operating Officer Linda Machniak said for businesses that are having a difficult time in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions seeing strong sales during the Christmas season can make a big difference in revenues.

“I would imagine that there are some challenges there,” Machniak said. “That is why through all these different programs we are trying to encourage people to think about their local entrepreneurs and businesses.”

The chamber is involved in advocacy work promoting the area as a shopping destination through social media, online and via other media platforms.

“The chamber this year has made significant investments in shop local programming, and [initiatives] that would support business and shopping in the Battlefords,” Machniak said.

Miwasin Kikinow Shelter

Local shelter gets big donation from BRCC

14h ago

Riderville

Riders Give Fans a Taste of What Kind of Team They Were Hoping to Be

Sep 26, 2024

Battlefords North Stars

Childerhose steps down as head coach and general manager

Sep 25, 2024

Many businesses offer a variety of ways customers can connect with them to make their purchases locally and safely, including virtually and placing orders by phone for example.

People can also support local businesses by buying a gift card.

North Battleford’s FF2 Fashion manager Tammy Ramsay said she appreciates the local support the shop is seeing from customers placing orders, in person, and through the internet.

“Our online store is crazy busy,” Ramsay said. “We have been shipping out stuff — lots to Manitoba, to Alberta, Newfoundland — all different kinds of places, as well as locally to Unity, Wilkie and [places] like that. We have good support there as well.”

She said the store has all its COVID-19 protocols in place for in-person shopping.

“We are wearing our masks, we are sanitizing everything. And, we have our hand sanitizer where [customers] come in, and at all different stations throughout the store,” Ramsay said. “People are definitely shopping local, and are supportive.”

She added as a good sign she has not seen people shopping in large groups, which has been a concern in some communities related to the COVID-19 risk.

“[People] are coming in by themselves, or maybe with one other person, getting their stuff, and then going out,” Ramsay said.

While some fashion retailers did not receive their full shipments due to delays related to the impact of COVID-19, Ramsay said FF2 Fashion has been fortunate.

“We bought [merchandise] early, and we seem to have almost everything in,” she said.

Martodam’s The Clothing People in Meadow Lake is also pleased to see more people staying close to home to shop during the pandemic, rather than drive to Saskatoon for example.

Manager Nori Gjolena said customers can also contact the store via Facebook to place their orders as an option.

“Thank goodness all the customers are being supportive,” he said. “We appreciate that.”

Gjolena added he is glad businesses are able to stay open during the holiday shopping season this year.

He said the shop continues to follow COVID-19 restrictions to ensure everyone stays safe while making their purchases.

—

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW