Twinkling lights and pretty bows are appearing everywhere lately, as the community enters into another colourful, festive, holiday season.
And although it may be rather tempting to pack up and head to a larger centre to spend the day Christmas shopping, local businesses, that provide services year-round to locals, are hoping much of that shopping can be done in town.
In less than two weeks, the chamber will host what it hopes will become a new tradition in St. Paul, in what it is calling Super Saturday. Many businesses will also be hosting Black Friday specials to draw residents in. Other local promotions are sure to reward those who shop locally in the next month also.
Shopping local obviously has its benefits. It drives the local economy, and offers residents a chance to say thank-you to the businesses that serve the area throughout the year, not just at Christmas.
Of course, some specialty items are hard to come by in a smaller centre, but businesses are eager to respond to customers’ needs and supply what they can. The expansion and establishment of a number of businesses in St. Paul in the past year is a testament to the fact that St. Paul is a good place to visit and do business.
The St. Paul Shopping Centre has been revitalized in the past year, and the downtown core is filling up. Although it may be convenient to shop online, or exciting to search out deals in the city, the positive feeling of supporting the community you live in is also something to be acknowledged.
This holiday season, remember to support those who support the community.
