Foot traffic is picking up around stores in Barry’s Bay, as the holidays get ever closer.
Ted Williamson, a Barry’s Bay BIA board member and the owner of the Stedman’s, says that, while summer is the busiest time of year for local retailers, Christmas is second.
The season represents an important opportunity for local businesses to earn revenue to help them get through winter.
He encourages people to support local businesses, because it helps the entire community.
“So there are people who live in Barry’s Bay, Combermere and Wilno that work in Barry’s Bay at retailers that are here. There’s not a whole lot of industry in these little towns. The biggest employer is probably the retail sector of the community.”
“When you do buy things in Barry’s Bay, you’re buying from your next door neighbour. You’re buying from people who are creating jobs in your community. You’re buying from people who support your local hospital.”
“What would be a good reason to support Barry’s Bay businesses? Because they are supporting the necessary projects that go on in our town.”
Williamson says Barry’s Bay retailers ran special promotions to coincide with Black Friday and the recent Tree of Lights campaign event, which were well supported.
He expects things will be busy this weekend, the final one before Christmas.