Local Shops

Economic impact

Small businesses (under 100 employees) make up close to 98 per cent of all businesses in the city and employ approximately 60 per cent of Toronto’s workforce. When you shop local your dollars can be returned to the local economy, raising the level of economic activity, which creates jobs, and contributes to the local tax base which contributes to create vibrant, livable communities.

Investors are attracted to communities where small businesses thrive, and this helps increase local tax revenues which in turn, get redistributed into infrastructure, amenities and programs for the community.

Societal impact

Supporting main street businesses supports your neighbours and encourages entrepreneurship and innovation amongst members of our community. It also attracts new talent and professionals to our city. Additionally, small businesses have been shown to support local sports teams, events, non-profits and charities in their community.

Small businesses also help define a neighbourhood’s character and image and gives people a sense of pride and identity in the area in which they live. Local businesses owners also tend to be members of the community and tend to be engaged in the area.

Environmental impact

Shopping local can help reduce our impact on the environment. Importing and shipping goods from afar produces transportation and greenhouse gas emissions. Shipping goods also creates packaging waste such as cardboard and single-use plastics which oftentimes are not properly recycled.

Shopping local can also help promote healthy living as walking to your local store counts as exercise and often local foods need less chemicals to help retain their freshness.