Every dollar you spend is a vote for the kind of community you want to live in. 

Choosing local businesses isn’t just about convenience or creating a sense of community—it’s creating an economic powerhouse that strengthens Nanaimo, supports British Columbia, and helps create a future we can all thrive in.

In fact, just a 10% shift towards purchasing local means an additional $4.3 billion and 14,150 more jobs in BC. 

The True Impact of Local Spending

The numbers don’t lie: dollars spent at local businesses stay in our economy and amplify wealth for everyone. For every $100 spent with a B.C. local business, $63 is re-circulated back into our provincial economy—compared to just $14 when spent at a multinational chain.

The Ripple Effect in Action:

• Local retailers re-circulate 63% of their revenue, compared to 14% for chains.
• Local restaurants re-circulate 68%, compared to 30% for chains.
• Local suppliers (e.g., office supplies) re-circulate 33%, compared to 19% for chains.

Local businesses don’t just operate here—they create jobs, pay local taxes, and support other local businesses. When you shop at a local store, your dollar might pay a neighbour, support a local farm, or fund a nearby charity—all while keeping our economy strong and our community connected.

Why Local Matters More Than Ever

Multinational corporations often move wealth out of communities towards shareholders. Or in other words, wealth generated from Nanaimo does not stay in Nanaimo. In contrast, local businesses:

• Create local jobs: Owners and employees live and work in your community.
• Support local causes: From sponsoring kids’ sports teams to funding food banks.
• Buy from other local businesses: Stocking shelves with local goods and hiring local services.

These impacts make shopping locally one of the best ways to contribute to Nanaimo’s growth and prosperity.

Holiday Spending: Shop Local, Share the Impact

This holiday season, shift as much of your spending as possible to local businesses. Need gifts? Start with local artisans. Dining out? Pick a Nanaimo-owned restaurant. Stocking up on supplies? Choose a local retailer or supplier.

By making small changes, we can create massive impacts for our community. Imagine if every household in Nanaimo shifted just $20 a week to local businesses—that could mean millions of dollars recirculating into our local economy annually.

Building a Prosperous Nanaimo Together

When you spend locally, you’re not just making a purchase—you’re making a choice. A choice to keep Nanaimo thriving, to create more jobs, to ensure our children have opportunities, and to preserve the character of our community.

So, this season and beyond, think local first. Because every dollar spent here strengthens our home, one purchase at a time.

Visit LOCO BC’s resources page to learn more about the power of buying local.