The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, November 26, 2014
www.theprogress.com
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Shop Downtown this Christmas December 8-24! Win prizes! Visit www.downtownchilliwack.com for details
s a m t s i Chr wack
in Chilli 2014
It’s that time of year again Christmas carols are being heard more frequently, wish lists are being requested by family members, and flyers and catalogues are being optimistically circled by children already taking inventory of their would-be gifts. The holiday shopping season has begun! And while most people are thinking about what presents to buy or what holiday events to take in, local shops are making sure they are ready for the thousands of people who are planning to shop right here in Chilliwack over the next few weeks. Kyle Williiams, executive director of the Downtown Business Improvement Association, says local business owners go to considerable efforts to encourage Chilliwack residents to do their holiday shopping locally, and make every experience special and unique. “The local economy relies heavily on the strength and survival of small businesses,” says Williwams, “and for many small retailers, the Christmas rush helps to buoy their bottom line. :By shopping close to home this holiday season, you not only help to support local business, but the dollars you spend will be reinvested into you community.” These businesses tend to employ Chilliwack residents, contribute to local charities, schools and community events, and do business with other locally owned businesses, he adds. Each time a dollar is spent in your home community, it can have a financial impact on the local economy. Downtown Chilliwack has many stores that are owned and operated by Chilliwack residents who
choose to work and keep their business here in this community. These local owners pay taxes, they put their children in local schools and other programs, and they have living expenses just as other local residents do. “When you shop for that special gift this holiday season,” Williams says, “consider the impact of that purchase has on others in your community.” Starting this weekend, a number of downtown
There’s No Place Like Home
FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING
businesses will be doing their part to help promote local shopping this Christmas. November 28 is Black Friday and Saturday, November 29 is the new Shop the Neighbourhood event, both featuring great deals and special promotions at many downtown Chilliwack stores. Other shopping promotions will continue through December, right up until that final gift is purchased on December 24. For more information about these events and more, visit www.downtownchilliwack.com.
BLACK FRIDAY DOWNTO WN CHILL IWACK
NOVEMBE R 28TH
29 NOVEMBER SATURDAY,
TH
FOR INFORMATION ON ALL DOWNTOWN CHILLIWACK EVENTS, VISIT Be safe this Holiday Season
DOWNTOWNCHILLIWACK.COM OR FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
In Association with Local Police & Government
Wear your best (ugliest) CHRISTMAS SWEATER while you shop downtown ON PARADE DAY
Saturday, December 6
THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION To lead a cooperative effort in revitalizing and enhancing the downtown of Chilliwack to make it a better place to work, live, shop, visit and have fun!
604.792.4576 • downtownchilliwack.com