BlogShop Local, Buy CanadianApril 10, 2025Shop Local, Buy CanadianThere are many reasons why you may choose certain places to shop, such as parking or more product options. However, shopping locally can impact so much more than our wallets. From simple reasons like convenience to ones that affect the environment and local economy, here are 9 of the most impactful reasons to shop local and how it benefits you and the world around you.
Why shop local?The pandemic and more recently, the threats of tariffs and a trade war have changed the way people shop and think about shopping. Many of us are now more conscious about the decisions we make on spending and travel. In today’s society, how we approach shopping is ever-changing, but the benefits of shopping local remain the same:
1: It’s convenientConvenience plays a huge part in our lives. After all, how easy is it to just ‘pop to the shop’ when it’s within walking distance? Today, many people opt to shop locally because of its proximity to home. Shopping at Lake of the Woods Brewing Company comes with extra perks. You can drop in for lunch or dinner and take home: local, fresh handcrafted brews and great, beer gear in our retail shop. Or visit us online, and we will ship your order right to your doorstep!
2: It’s better for the environment by helping reduce your carbon footprintMost people are conscious about their environmental impact, whether trying to limit their single-use plastic, travelling more ethically or avoiding driving when they can. For this reason, shopping locally and more sustainably is perfectly suited for those being mindful of their environmental impact. However, not everyone has the luxury of visiting an actual store. Where this is the case, our online SHOP whose goals support the planet, sustainability, and local communities, can be the ideal alternative.
3: You help support local businessesThis is one of the most important reasons to shop local. Times are tough and independent businesses and charities have been hit hard by the pandemic, inflation, and now a trade war. Buying from a local business, whether from a seasonal pop-up retail shop at the Brewers Village or all year-round at our retail shop at 350 – 2nd Street South, or our online shop, is a great way to support Lake of the Woods Brewing Company both financially and figuratively by showing us you love what we do. This means we’ll be able to continue doing the great work that we do.
4: You invest in our communityOf course, shopping at our local business helps us financially, but it also supports the wider local economy and community in the City of Kenora and greater Lake of the Woods region. It’s an excellent opportunity to see new businesses continue to open and prosper within the neighbourhood. In turn, thriving independent businesses can help boost the prices of homes and properties within the area.
5: It helps create demand for local jobsIn addition to investing in your community, you can also help improve employment rates within the area by using local shops. Local businesses, just like ours, provide a large number of jobs to communities, and, in our case, can even be someone’s first workplace to help kick-start their career. As our business grows, so too will the employment opportunities and local economy.
6: There are great deals to be foundLocal shops rely on footfall from local people. Smaller independent shops are likely to have fewer people visiting and shopping with them than more prominent mainstream brands. This means we often have to create deals that help bring in customers. This is something that larger shops might not necessarily do, resulting in a win-win for both customers looking to make a purchase and the business itself.
7: You’re likely to find quality productsLocal shops and businesses may not always be able to compete with larger chain stores and brands in terms of advertising. However, unlike larger stores that have to stock many products, Lake of the Woods Brewing Company, independently owned and operated focuses on the quality of the things they sell rather than the quantity. Our craft brews, seltzers, sodas, and food to go or dine-in are made to the highest quality: so you know that you and your loved ones are receiving something premium, special and made to last.
8: Buy CanadianUnfortunately, we are in the middle of a trade war with our neighbour to the south and the tariffs continue to have a profound effect on both economies, in the USA and in Canada. We are paying close attention to our suppliers and where we source our products from. We are in good company. As a locally independently owned & operated business, Lake of the Woods Brewing Company are priding ourselves on sourcing food and products using more responsible practices. Up and down the supply chain, we will #BuyCanadian when we can and where we can. It is the right thing to do, for our business and for our country.
9: There’s more chance of finding the weird, wonderful and quirkyBig brands usually follow a pattern of selling mass-created, trending seasonal products, whereas local and independent shops stock items that are traditionally made more locally and not available anywhere else. Whether it’s the pattern, design or the flavours of the product, its uniqueness means there is very little chance you’ll find it elsewhere. Take a look at what we have to offer – you will not be disappointed!
10: You make more thoughtful purchasesIt’s very easy to buy products on impulse. One of the many benefits of shopping local is that it makes you more conscious of your purchasing. Say you’re looking to buy someone a special gift. Shopping locally and buying something only that store sells takes more thought than getting a gift from a major retailer. It’s unique, personal, and the chances are you’d be the first to give it to them. Additionally, you are less likely to end up buying things you never set out to purchase in the first place.
However, not everyone has the luxury of shopping locally within their area, as some shops may just be further afield and require you to travel. Luckily, there are some places online that have many of the benefits of shopping local. Our online shop has an array of responsibly-sourced products, such as home baked biscuits for your four-legged fur friend (dog), curated sauces and rubs, and so much more.
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