The festive shopping season is upon us and let’s face it, most of your presents are probably going to be held hostage on an offshore boat while they negotiate this supply chain fiasco.

That means there is no better time to get out into your neighbourhood and see what things you can pick up in an instant. Here are 5 things to think about when deciding on how to spend your money this holiday season.

(1) Beware of the Cost of Convenience

In a recent Mark Manson newsletter, he mentions the book, The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking. It’s author (Oliver Burkeman) muses about how convenience can backfire:

“He argues that it’s often the inefficient friction in life that slows us down long enough to actually forge meaningful connections.

For example, instead of ordering eight pounds of your favorite meat online, being forced to walk down to the butcher each week and chat to them about weather and business and sports while they cut each slice, week after week, month after month—well, it’s the aggregation of all of these little "inefficient" experiences that generates a sense of community and rootedness in one’s life. By introducing widespread "convenience," at scale, you remove people’s opportunities to serendipitously engage with the people in their communities.”

This reminds us of what James Clear says in Atomic Habits: that everything you do is a “vote” towards becoming that type of person. Showing up to train is a vote towards becoming a person who works out. Rejecting a cigarette from a friend is a vote towards someone who doesn’t smoke.

The same happens in communities. Having a short but fun conversation with a local business owner (and their staff) is a vote towards living in a community that cares, one that contributes to a feeling of belonging. It’s beneficially mutual and nurtures the vibe of your neighbourhood.

Something to keep in-mind before pre-ordering on an app or deciding on takeaway instead of sitting in.

(1) “Budgets are values in action” - Leila Janah

Try to take time out of your week to budget your spending between big chains and local businesses, if you can. It’s tough to do so when Amazon sells everything 30% cheaper and it’s there on your porch the next day. And we know you don’t always have time to shop in 3-5 stores to get all the food you need for the week (we have Prime and PC memberships, so we know how you feel.)

What we want you to consider is not so much about the amount of money you spend, but to be more deliberate on where you spend it.

Can you do a 52-week shop your neighbourhood challenge where you visit just 1 different business each week? That would be an awesome start.

(3) More Local Investment & Less Bureaucracy

Recently, charities have run into transparency issues and people are hesitant to donate because they don’t know where their money is going. Giving to local charities usually means your money is going towards the community. Consider donating to places like Massey Centre, Red Door Shelter, and your local Daily Bread Food Bank chapter. The majority of the funds go right back into the community and, just like politics, it’s easier to make positive change at the local level.

In addition, a local business is more concerned about providing a great product and experience than satisfying shareholders, funding self-interest lobbying, or trying to squeeze blood from farmers on the price of chicken.

(4) Give Constructive Feedback

If you love a local business, consider giving it a 5-star review on Google, Facebook, or Yelp even if it’s not perfect. If you have some suggestions, leave the 5-star review and then talk to the owner or shoot them an email.

Recommend a great business to your friends or gas them up on social media, like members of the East End Communities Online group do.

Unless a business rips you off, consider not raking them through mud online. Call or write them a message with your concerns and see how they respond.

A great business will heed your concerns. A bad one will end up closing anyway.

(5) Most Small Business Owners Are Artists

Almost every small business exists because someone thinks they’re incredibly good at creating something and then puts a huge bet on him or herself.

Chef Luis, from Pomarosa, revels in alchemy as he puts together the perfect arepa sandwich. The chefs from Yanagi Sushi, source and cut the best fish in the east end. Dr. Emily Trohatos solves your kid’s ortho problems and makes you feel like you are their only client.

A great local business will be in it for the love of the game. They are problem solvers, nerds, and artists. They are likely in the top 5% of what they do, worldwide, and they’re right on your frickin’ doorstep. How cool is that!?

——

Government help is scaling back rapidly. Some small businesses fell during the height of the pandemic but a significant amount more will close when support ends.

Where you shop and who you support will not only decide the fate of thousands of small businesses but you are also voting, consciously or not, toward the kind of neighbourhood you want to live in.

Shopping local has never been more important.

Kevin & Victoria

P.S. Thanks for reading this far. If you or your spouse are looking to get healthy this new year, consider picking up a gift card for BOMB Fitness at our online store. And please consider picking up gift cards to introduce friends and family to your favourite local stores.