'Tis the season to shop local in Markham

Holiday shopping season crucial for small businesses struggling due to COVID-19 restrictions

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 4

A concerted effort in Markham to boost businesses, sales and holiday spirits aims to combat the crippling effects of COVID-19 on not only the economy, but also the community.

"It’s never been more important to shop local and support businesses in our community as they face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

With the holidays quickly approaching, Scarpitti assured residents that Markham remains a safe destination “for all-things-Christmas.”

"The newly formed Destination Markham Corporation has been working closely with small businesses to ensure residents feel comfortable and feel safe when shopping in person," Scarpitti added.

That involves a "pledge" taken by local business owners to adhere to standard public health protocols such as wearing masks, physical distancing and contactless payment, explained Don De Los Santos, Markham Small Business Centre manager.

Local restaurants and other businesses also now have access to the Ritual platform to take orders and sell virtually through a recently announced "Open for Business" program in collaboration with Ritual and DoorDash. SkipTheDishes is offering Markham diners free delivery on every order over $20 that is placed through the app during a one-month promotional period in December, during which restaurants can also join the platform and pay 0 per cent commission for the first 30 days.

"All of the initiatives, part of our COVID-19 response for small businesses, have focused on this shift to digital," said De Los Santos regarding the monumental pivot to e-commerce that pandemic conditions have created.

"It is clearly understandable now that digital is here to stay and that virtual piece is going to create that resilience for businesses since it will be the one part that is not shut down in the face of further restrictions or lockdowns," he said.

"Consumers need to feel safe and secure," he added.

And they need to be less confused by COVID-19 restrictions that seem to change on an almost-daily basis, said Richard Cunningham, the president and CEO of the Markham Board of Trade.

In addition to providing a pipeline to various government support programs, the board has ramped up marketing efforts to help businesses get the word out to confused consumers who don't know whether they are open or closed, or doing takeout or DoorDash, said Cunningham.

"It really is quite confusing to a lot of consumers out there right now."

The  openinmarkham website, that the board created, lets any businesses post their particular details for free so residents have a detailed, and updated, directory of available services complete with Google map locations.

"They create the account and they are the ones who keep it current," Cunningham said.

The board's Restaurants in Markham Facebook page and online business directory also works in collaboration with local BIAs to help create as much traffic and cross-promotion as possible, he added.

That includes over 30 shops on Unionville's Main Street, which has been transformed with fresh garland-wrapped around lamp posts and lights galore.

“We’ve invested quite a bit in the streetscape,” said Unionville BIA executive director, Sara Sterling, adding that the street has taken on a magical holiday look and feel.

New additions this year include the “Holiday Chair” -- a lit-up gigantic holiday ornament set up at the bandstand that people can sit in and take photos to share on social media. The gazebo at the Planning Mill is another “photo-worthy” spot to stop and take in the gorgeous lights and garlands.

Residents and visitors are also invited to take their photos at new “Instagram Murals” designed by the talented art students at Unionville High School located at the bandstand and at the main stairs in the middle of the street and tag @mainstreetunionville when posting.

“While we cannot host events like Breakfast with Santa or our parade, the streetscape adds a ray of hope in these challenging times and provides a reminder that our small businesses need, and appreciate, the support of their community," said the UBIA’s chair, Niina Felushko.

Similarly, the Markham Village BIA hopes residents and visitors will take in the lights and tree and check out shops with their decorated windows on Main Street.

"It really is a fun and festive time of year on the street, albeit a bit different and harder this year," said marketing director Victoria Campbell.

To assist shops and also provide a holiday experience for residents, the Markham Village BIA launched a gift guide and contest to help raise awareness regarding the diversity of local shops.

The 24 days of holiday giving offers up to $100 a day in prizes from Main Street Markham shops between Nov. 24 and Dec. 17. Winners will be randomly selected after entering online at mainstreetmarkham.com