Right step

With the loonie again hovering above parity vis-a-vis the U.S. greenback, coupled with higher duty-free exemptions now in place at the border, local businesses have their work cut out trying to convince consumers to spend their money here at home.
It isn’t a new problem, of course—and no doubt one faced by most, if not all, border towns right across the country. In short, the business community needs every possible weapon in its arsenal in the constant battle to attract and keep customers.
The “Go Local” campaign being pushed by the Rainy River Future Development Corp. is one such weapon. Looking to start up next month, with an official launch in October, the idea is to develop and implement a rewards program to encourage people to shop in town and around the district.
Obviously, for the program to be successful, the business community has to sign on. And the more businesses that come on board, the better it will be. Fortunately, there seems to be initial interest, with 65 businesses having registered so far for information on the project.
Consumers have a role to play, too. You certainly can’t blame people—faced with wage freezes/cuts and higher costs on just about everything—for wanting the best deal possible to stretch their hard-earned but increasingly scarce cash. And who doesn’t enjoy the odd “weekend getaway” to the big city?
But the truth is, saving a few bucks by shopping elsewhere carries a price. Local businesses provide employment, sponsor various events and teams, and help fill the Civic Centre coffers through taxes—all benefits that are lost each time a store is forced to close its doors.
The “Go Local” campaign won’t eliminate out-shopping, but it’s a step in the right direction that warrants support from businesses and consumers alike.