You may not realise it, but your purchases make a real difference in the way Regina looks and feels.

It may be “just shopping” but being a consumer who thinks local hugely impacts jobs, the environment, community well-being and much more.

Every time you spend money, you are voting to keep that kind of business in Regina. If you shop at local, independent places more often, then we’ll have more of those neat, unique shops and services that make Regina original. If you only spend money at big box stores or chains, more of those will pop up on our landscape and the local independents will fade away.

Just because it’s in your neighbourhood doesn’t mean it’s local. “Local and independent” businesses have a majority local ownership and make all of the business decisions themselves.

It’s easy to start thinking local in your daily routine – just find what works for you. Even a small shift in spending to “go local” and independent will make a big difference! So buy from local, independent businesses more often. Our list of members is a good start as many of our business are local and independent but there are more in our city that need your business, too. Keep an eye out for other local businesses in your area.