Supporting the Businesses That Make Our Neighbourhood Home!
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Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about where I spend my money—and why. In a world where it’s become second nature to click “add to cart” and wait for a box to arrive from Amazon or another massive corporation, I’ve made a conscious choice to do things differently. I choose local. I chose small. And honestly? It makes life richer in every way.
When I buy chocolates from the Belgian Chocolate Shop, it feels like stepping into the movie Chocolat—that sense of indulgence, craftsmanship, and joy you just don’t get from something mass-produced. My teacups and tea come from Pippens, a truly beautiful store where every visit feels like an experience, not just a transaction.
My books come from Book City and The Great Escape—independent bookstores where the staff actually know what they’re talking about and where stories live long before you crack open the cover. Pens, art supplies, and children’s gifts come from Medico Art Supplier, a place that sparks creativity and imagination in a way no algorithm ever could. For unique art glassware, I head to Arts on Queen, and frames always come from Still Images.
When it comes to gifting, I love supporting our local restaurants by buying gift certificates. Whether it’s No.900 Pizza, Limon, Savignon, Yumei Sushi, The Wolfe & Tone, Delina, Kyouka Ramen, Gus Tacos, or brunch at Tierre’s, these are the places that bring people together and make our neighbourhood feel alive. For a movie night, nothing beats the Fox Theatre. Coffee is always from The Remarkable Bean, ice cream from Ed’s Real Scoop, and Bagels on Fire makes—hands down—the best bagels ever.
Cards and beautiful papers come from Hanji. Hair products—and their incredible gift boxes—come from Hair Dynamics. Essential oils come from Hooper’s. Jewellery resizing is done at Mourget, and when I want something special for my granddaughter, Artisans always have something.
For health and wellness, I shop for vitamins at Beaches Wellness, book massages at Inner Strength on Lawlor, get my nails done at Star Nails, visit Beach Dental, and see Dr Jo Anna Carlo for chiropractic care. Running shoes come from The Running Room, paint from Neighbours (a local staple for over 35 years), and even everyday essentials—like a broom—come from Home Hardware.
On a more personal note, I buy my vegetables at Carload, my cheese at Alex’s, takeout pasta at Casa Mia, flowers at Beachwood, glasses at Eye Candy, and clothing—hats, pyjamas, jeans, scarves, sweaters, T-shirts, and jewellery—from Posh. Supporting local isn’t just something I talk about; it’s how I live and work every single day.
I’m sure I’ve left out many others, but the bottom line is this: when we shop local, the money stays in our community. It supports real people, keeps jobs here at home, and strengthens our local economy—something that’s more important than ever.
Big corporations don’t know your name, support local causes, or care about the character of your neighbourhood. Small businesses do. They are the heartbeat of our streets and the reason our communities thrive.
Choosing local over Amazon and massive companies isn’t about guilt—it’s about intention. It’s about deciding that convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of community.
Every purchase is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. I know where mine goes.
Try one local shop this week—and pass the vibe on to others.
Honestly? There’s no need to leave the hood.
Honestly? There’s no need to leave the hood.
Happy Holidays,
Aileen
1 comment
What a great message and reminder to support our neighbourhood and our neighbours💗