It’s that time of year again when people reflect on the past year and think about what they have accomplished. It’s also that time of year when people start brainstorming their resolutions for the New Year. Whether or not they’re successful on the follow-through that might be another goal all together! But it’s a common tradition for people around the world to view ringing in another calendar year as a chance for change or betterment.
I’d like to recommend putting shopping local on your list of things to do in 2012. It was made clear to me a couple of years ago, after seeing a favourite Uptown venue I enjoyed close its doors, that I needed to increase my efforts in supporting local. In order for our favourite shops, restaurants and businesses to be there for us, we need to be there for them!
Did you know that the majority of the shops in Brunswick Square are independent businesses owned and operated by local residents? Brunswick Square has quite a few local jems specific to our city! To quote Kiera Fraser (owner of Je Suis Prest Boutique) from her most recent KV Style article:
“They’re supportive, unique and customer service oriented. Local businesses help build strong communities and neighbourhoods, linking citizens and nurturing local causes. They are passionate about their customers, the area they live in, the causes they support and the products they sell.”
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or others, try shopping local first. And Brunswick Square combines local merchants, the latest trends, as well as variety. If I see something I like online, I always check my favourite stores in Brunswick Square first! For example, if it’s a BB Dakota sweater or a Kensie dress, Je Suis Prest Boutique often offers it at a similar, if not lower, price- plus I don’t have to bother with additional shipping costs. If it’s an Everly top or a pair of Guess jeans, Pseudio is the best place to check. And did you know that outside of Halifax, Perfumes Plus is the only boutique that carries Chanel cosmetics in all of Atlantic Canada? To check out the full variety of shops in Brunswick Square, click here.
You honestly don’t need to leave the city to find quality clothing, cosmetics, accessories, services or gifts. You can find quite a variety in Brunswick Square without spending the additional money on gas, food, and accommodations that you would need to fork out if travelling to the States, or even to another city. Even if you find a few great deals, the additional travel costs (and duty if you cross the border) leave you spending more in the end.
Local merchants try their best to target their prices at what’s affordable for Saint Johners. When you shop the stores of Brunswick Square, you often have the owners right at your service. They take an invested interest in knowing what their customers love. They have the power to change and add to what they carry in order to cater specially to their local customers’ wants and needs. So when drawing up the list of New Year’s resolutions, add shopping local and supporting Saint John to that list!
