Shop local this holiday season during #ShopInDurham Week

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Tourism—in partnership with the Durham Economic Task Force (DETF)—⁠are encouraging the community to shop local this holiday season during Shop in Durham Week, from November 26 to December 2.

Shop in Durham Week will kick off with a flag-raising ceremony at Regional Headquarters on November 27. This weeklong celebration highlights the region’s vibrant and diverse business community; serving as a reminder to support local businesses during the season of gift-giving—and beyond.

The goal of the Shop Where You Live, Shop In Durham initiative is to raise awareness that buying local will have a big impact on the region’s economy. It encourages residents and visitors to discover (or rediscover) Durham’s charming local shops to find one-of-a-kind gifts, meet local business owners and support your community.

While exploring all that Durham Region has to offer, don’t forget to share your unique finds on social media using the hashtag #ShopInDurham and tag @DurhamTourism in your posts.

To learn more about the Shop In Durham initiative and how you can support local businesses this holiday season, visit ShopInDurham.ca.

Quotes

“This holiday season, shop in Durham. Our region’s eight local area municipalities are home to a wide variety of small businesses with unique finds for all of your gift-giving needs—from home decor and artisan markets, to fashion boutiques and vintage clothing stores, and everything in between. It’s always a great time to shop where you live, but especially during the season of gift-giving.”

– John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer

“By shopping locally, residents help to play a part in creating local jobs and strengthening our economy—and help to strengthen our small business community too. When you spend your dollars locally, you’re helping local business owners continue to do the work they love—providing unique experiences, services and products to our community.”

– Simon Gill, Director of Economic Development and Tourism

“We’re proud of the diversity of our business community and their offerings. In Ajax and Pickering, you can shop where you live and shop the world.”

– Talia Lane, President, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade

“This holiday season, enjoy a drive to the country for a delightful shopping experience in unique main street boutique shops located in Sunderland, Cannington and Beaverton. While here, be sure to visit our wonderful restaurants. Relax, shop and eat in the Township of Brock.”

– John Grant, President, Brock Board of Trade

“Enjoy an experience that goes beyond a transaction. Get a taste of the season and explore what’s in store in Durham.”

– Bonnie Wrightman, Manager of Business Development, Clarington Board of Trade

"Shop In Durham, Shop Where You Live is not just about promoting local commerce; we're fostering a spirit of community pride and shared prosperity. Choosing to shop locally is more than a transaction; it's a statement of civic pride, an investment in our community's future, and it's a way of telling the community's top makers, builders, and entrepreneurs that we appreciate their work, and would love to see more of it."

– Jason King, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce

"The Scugog area is home to many distinctive businesses who provide excellent services and quality products. The Scugog Chamber is excited to have so many great locations, both in Scugog and Durham Region as a whole, to shop at this holiday season. Port Perry's historic downtown and scenic waterfront provide a unique ambiance for shoppers, while they check items off their shopping lists. We hope everyone has the chance to discover the magic of Scugog this year!"

– Karey Anne Large, Executive Director, Scugog Chamber of Commerce

“Discover the gems of two beautiful downtowns of Whitby. From family entertainment, unique retailers and businesses to the absolute food scene, Whitby offers all. Incredible shopping and experiences right at your doorstep.”

– Susanne Gagnon, Chief Executive Director, Whitby Chamber of Commerce

“This holiday season show your hometown pride when you #ShopInDurham. Uxbridge’s businesses have great things in store for you! Enjoy a rural escape to our charming historic downtown and agricultural artisans offering the best flavours in local food and beverage.”

– Uxbridge Chamber of Commerce Board

Quick Facts

• DETF is comprised of Durham Region’s Economic Development and Tourism Division; all eight local area municipality economic development teams; the Business Advisory Centre of Durham (BACD); Durham’s local chambers of commerce and boards of trade; and other key partners, including Business Improvement Areas (BIAs).
• The Durham Region Joint Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade represent the eight chambers and boards Durham Region. Together, they are the voice of nearly 3,000 local businesses and organizations.

About Durham Region

Nestled between lakes Ontario, Simcoe and Scugog lies Durham Region. A landscape that's made up of urban, rural, and commercial zones—from rolling hills and farmland, to bustling downtowns and industrial lands. Our large, diverse landscape is driving our position as one of the fastest growing populations in Canada; with forecasted population growth to approximately one million residents by 2041. Visit durham.ca to learn more.

– 30 –

For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.