Local purchase: emblem of solidarity in times of pandemic

Unless you have spent the past few weeks on a desert island (and if so, lucky you!), you know that we are living through an exceptional period in the history of humanity. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought its share of challenges, including isolation and social distancing, working from home for some, financial difficulties for many, and a society struggling to reinvent itself in an increasingly more virtual. But the pandemic, like any period of change, also allows us to reflect on the world we live in and shed light on certain practices or habits that would benefit from an update. That said, one of the positive impacts observed in recent times is the fever for buying local that is spreading among Quebecers.

Local buying in vogue

Several groups have been created on social media to support local businesses and members do not hesitate to publish or share messages to promote local businesses or products, or to survey their friends in order to discover new ones. . We also note the rise in popularity of press articles promoting buying local and sites that serve as a directory of local businesses in the province, such as Signé Local.

Solidarity at the rendezvous

If we suddenly seem to praise buying local with such fervor, it is partly a patriotic act to support our local economy, but it is also a real symbol of solidarity; in these difficult times, we feel that Quebecers have a real desire to help each other. Consuming locally allows us to forge links between the members of our community and to take action that will have deep meaning for the entrepreneur. Lucie Laigre, owner of 2 fois rien, appreciates the independence that the sale of her products gives her: “ it allows me to continue working, without having to ask for government aid. I have beautiful comments and sweet words from my clients”. And while we can't fix the virus problem any time soon, what we can do is choose to buy products from us.

Small gestures with big impact

Of course, buying local is not accessible to all budgets. That said, when possible, every little bit counts for a local business. Sandrine Chabert, owner of Culture Sauvage Montreal, shared with us the importance of each gesture for her business:

“Buying local is our customers' boost to get through a shortfall that can tip every business towards bankruptcy. Even the smallest, hitherto profitable structures can experience insurmountable financial distress. Each small order gives hope that everything will start again and that our loyal customers support us every day. Even the smallest note of sympathy changes our view of this global crisis: it will be fine, because our customers love what we do and share their purchases between all these beautiful Quebec companies who are sticking together more than ever. »

Online sales have the wind in their sails

Small businesses have had to work hard in the last few weeks to adapt to the new reality, and to continue to offer their products and services, particularly with regard to online sales, for which Quebecers have a renewed interest, containment obligatory. “ Our online sales have quadrupled. We are very grateful. We have also put certain measures in place to facilitate online shopping, such as free delivery and promotions on the site,” says Savannah Tardif, owner of Be-u Cosmétiques.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade

The challenges posed by the pandemic can also represent opportunities for business growth and mutual support between entrepreneurs, as described by Dominic De Blois, co-owner of blanc par rouGe:

“This awareness of buying local during a pandemic also allows us to refine other niches such as online sales and thus make our products more easily accessible. We see a big difference at this level lately. The pandemic encourages people to discover local products and opens the door for several companies like us to develop partnerships in order to promote other local producers. In short, it is unifying and it opens up horizons. »

The perpetuity of buying local

The growth of local purchasing is an encouraging symbol of prosperity for Quebec. But buying local doesn't just matter in times of a pandemic; we all have a lot to gain by trying to choose local for our purchases, in the future as today.