THUNDER BAY – The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many consumers shop.
Amazon was already the 13th most lucrative company in the world before the virus disrupted people’s way of life and the pandemic's arrival made it that much simpler for customers to choose to shop online, avoiding long lines at stores that were still open and allowed them to purchase goods and services they might be unable to find in their home communities.
It left a lot of mom-and-pop shops at a disadvantage.
Locally, many businesses just weren’t set up for online e-commerce, meaning those who wanted to support nearby, homegrown businesses were forced to shop elsewhere or go without.
However, a free service offered through Digital Main Street and the Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre may change that for good.
Ryan Moore, development officer for small business at the Thunder Bay Economic Development Commission, said the goal is to bring 50,000 businesses across Canada on board through the program, including dozens in the city.
The opportunity is available for just about any small business, from cafes and salons to home-based business or an artist looking to sell their wares.
“Any business can apply to the ShopHERE program and have a free website built for them that allows them to get sales online. It’s a great opportunity for them to increase their revenue, to increase their digital footprint and just be open 24/7 essentially during this time,” Moore said.
The program is funded in part by a $1-million donation from Google Canada, allowing Digital Main Street to expand to communities across the country, including Thunder Bay.
Eric Zakrewski, CEO of the CEDC, said now more than ever the importance of e-commerce is emerging full force.
For local businesses, it opens doors and markets that would otherwise be unattainable.
That can only add to their bottom lines, he said.
“People from global, national and local markets are relying on the internet to shop, find information, or order their weekly groceries. By providing small businesses with the opportunity to build a free online store ShopHERE is ensuring small businesses can tap into these markets and continue to do business virtually,” Zakrewski said.
Mayor Bill Mauro said ShopHERE is a great way to help grow the local economy in a few simple steps.
“This is another opportunity for them to promote and sell their goods and services by increasing their reach and accessibility. I also want to thank the Thunder Bay CEDC and the Thunder Bay and District Entrepreneur Centre for their efforts in connecting local businesses to the Program, and for all of the work they have done in supporting our local businesses in navigating the extreme challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mauro said.
To apply for the program, visit www.digitalmainstreet.ca/shophere.
