CHARLOTTETOWN – Feb. 19, 2025 – The Chambers of Commerce across Prince Edward Island are joining forces to launch a province-wide Shop Local campaign to encourage Islanders to support local businesses and recognize the critical role all Islanders play in sustaining the Island’s economy.
The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Eastern PEI Chamber, Kensington and Area Chamber, Greater Summerside Chamber, West Prince Chamber, and the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI, is spearheading the strategic initiative aimed at shifting consumer habits and reinforcing the value of shopping locally.
“We recognize due to certain circumstances, not everything can be 100% Island or Canadian-made, but every Islander can make a conscious choice to support locally owned businesses and their employees,” said Bianca McGregor, CEO of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber. “Every dollar spent locally helps sustain jobs, businesses, and ultimately the communities we all cherish.”
The campaign’s key objectives include increasing local spending to keep more money circulating within the Island economy, shifting consumer habits away from international spending and toward local businesses, and supporting local jobs by reinforcing the importance of mindful patronage. Over the coming weeks and months, Islanders will see the rollout of the campaign, which will highlight the economic benefits of shopping at local businesses.
The Chambers of Commerce appreciate the support of the Government of Prince Edward Island for recognizing the importance of shifting consumer behaviours, particularly amid uncertainty surrounding trade relations and potential tariffs from the U.S. These challenges put at imminent risk $1.8 billion in exports from PEI, over 8,000 Canadian jobs related to PEI exports, and 249 companies from the province. Such a large disruption in export markets will have a trickle-down effect for most businesses in the province, putting even more jobs at risk.
Collectively, Islanders can protect local jobs and boost economic resilience. Shop Local – supporting our neighbours. It’s the Island way.
CHAMBER QUOTES
“Supporting Island businesses means supporting our neighbours, our communities, and our local workforce. Islanders have a long-standing tradition of looking out for one another, and through this campaign, we want to remind consumers that a local shift in spending habits for everyday purchases, services, and experiences directly contributes to a more resilient economy.”
– Bianca McGregor, CEO – Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce
“The Eastern PEI Chamber of Commerce is excited for the launch of this great initiative. When you support a local small business you not only support that business, you also support your community and your neighbours.”
– Sandra Hodder, Executive Director – Eastern PEI Chamber of Commerce
« The Kensington & Area Chamber of Commerce is very excited to be part of an Island wide “Shop Local » campaign. We feel that it is essential for small businesses, it strengthens the local economy and supports job creation and retention. Local businesses are often deeply connected to the community by sponsoring local events, supporting charities and their contribution to the community. When people shop local, they also support local suppliers, this will in turn benefit a wide range of businesses and make the entire economy stronger. »
– Julie Corbett, Executive Director – Kensington and Area Chamber of Commerce
« The Greater Summerside Area Chamber of Commerce truly believes that the revitalized « Shop Local » campaign is a fantastic way to promote local business, engage the population with local consumers and provide a much-needed bolster to local trade and commerce. Through a combined effort, we want to bring awareness and engagement to this important cause to as many Islanders and local businesses as possible. Be sure to watch out for advertisements and promotions that are going to allow you to engage local and support local, by Shopping Local! »
– Mitch Martin, Executive Director – Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce
“The West Prince Chamber of Commerce is excited to launch this initiative, supporting our local businesses and strengthening our community!” The “Shop Local” program is a fantastic opportunity to boost the local economy, create connections, and ensure that our island continues to get the support it needs.”
– Riley Ramsay, West Prince Chamber of Commerce
“The Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI has members who are naturally very neighborly with each other and their respective communities, whether they live in Tignish, Abram-Village, Summerside, Rustico, Charlottetown, Montague or Souris. Now, more than ever, is the time to prove that, like our ancestors, we have a strong co-operative spirit and that we’re ready to support each other. For Islanders, this is an ideal opportunity to show our local businesses that we appreciate the products and services they offer us, as well as the sponsorships they provide to our sports teams, school projects and community events.”
– Raymond J. Arsenault, Manager – Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI