The pandemic fundamentally shifted how we shop and interact with local businesses.
After two years of lockdowns and social distancing, many of us have grown accustomed to the convenience of shopping from home with the expectation of next-day delivery. This shift has left many local retailers struggling to connect with their customer base who now, more than ever, value the ability to quickly and easily check product availability, pricing, and return policies online before deciding to visit in person.
Despite a strong desire among Canadians to support local businesses—with 86% expressing the importance of shopping locally—less than 13% doing so regularly. This gap is largely due to the lack of a seamless connection between consumers and local shops.
Enter We Choose Local, a groundbreaking new service launching today in Guelph.
We Choose Local aims to bridge this gap by providing an online platform where Guelph residents can shop from local businesses with the convenience they've come to expect from global e-commerce giants. From finding out what’s available in real-time to enjoying next-day delivery right to their doorsteps, We Choose Local makes it easy to support local without leaving home.
Their story began with a simple vision: to help local businesses thrive in a changing world. We Choose Local Founder, Patti Mara shared a story that at a recent family Christmas gathering, she watched as every gift that was unwrapped was in an Amazon box. A passionate advocate for locally owned businesses, her next thought was “How do we make it just as easy to shop local?” and the idea for We Choose Local took off —a solution that not only supports but elevates our local economy.
We Choose Local invites all Guelph residents to join them in this movement.
By choosing local, you're not just buying products; you're investing in the community, supporting local jobs, and helping the environment by reducing shipping distances. Together, let's make Guelph a model for community-focused, sustainable commerce, all while discovering hidden gems only found in our unique stores.
Connect with We Choose Local online here.
