Did Lethbridge Shoppers Support Locals This Christmas? – Lethbridge | The Canadian News

The weeks leading up to Christmas are typically the busiest time for many retail businesses.

In Lethbridge, various organizations pushed local community purchases as a way to keep dollars in the local economy.

“The Downtown Business Revitalization Zone had a number of promotions that were hoping to encourage people to shop downtown,” said Lethbridge Economic Development Executive Director Trevor Lewington.

“I know the Chamber of Commerce had a local store promotion so (it will be) interesting in the next two weeks to tell the stories of the retailers and better understand the impact this retail season has had on the economy.”

Brad Gadd, owner and operator of the Populess Company in downtown Lethbridge, said the past few months are vital to its overall success.

“The Christmas rush is essentially our lifeline,” he admitted. “A good 40 – or 50 – percent of our annual sales occurs in the months of November and December.”

Despite the ongoing pandemic and supply chain shortages, Gadd believes they had a successful season thanks to community support.

He said that the implemented initiatives “definitely did not hurt us.”

“For me, urban centers are the heart of the city,” Gadd said. “There are so many beautiful little businesses and restaurants that really tell and show who Lethbridge is.”

However, not all local businesses are limited to that area.

Western Stockman, which was previously downtown, moved to a lot near the outskirts of town several years ago. Manager Lacey O’Donnell said they too had a successful holiday season.

“It’s become a huge trend now, which is really cool,” O’Donnell said of the western style. “We love that people can support this industry in any way possible.”

One of those ways includes through its online store, which has been of great help during the pandemic.

“The business has been booming. It has been great.”

The next few months are expected to slow down once again, giving retailers time to relax, restock and restock.

“Being a company and a brand where we do our own things, it gives us some time (to have) a break to, like, refresh and get excited for the year ahead, and start preparing for new products, new ideas. , events, etc. “Said Gadd.

Related news