Cantata Singers strolled through downtown Prince George singing carols as part of the Plaid Friday event.
Conceptualized in 2009 in Oakland, California, Plaid Friday was developed to promote shopping locally as a leisurely and pleasurable activity instead of participating in “Black Friday” mayhem at big box stores. This year, on the last Friday in November, Love Northern BC participated in the campaign.
Plaid Friday was conceived from the idea of weaving the individual threads of small businesses together to create a strong fabric that celebrates the diversity and creativity of independent businesses.
Communities across the North embraced the campaign to offer events, specials and extended hours to help build awareness and entice visitors to their local businesses.
- Love Lillooet organized a scavenger hunt where participants had to find 10 plaid hearts hidden in their website as well as 10 plaid toques in participating businesses.
- Love Houston BC held a community event with bonfires and fireworks. One business even opened their space to allow home-based businesses to set up pop-up shops for the day.
- The Mayor of Dawson Creek officially proclaimed the last Friday in November as Plaid Friday. They celebrated there by fully embracing the spirit of Plaid Friday with business owners and staff alike dressed in their finest plaids.
- More than a dozen Love Downtown Prince George businesses stayed open late. A free holiday-themed green screen photo booth was set up, with hot chocolate, special deals and strolling carolers.
- In Burns Lake a selfie contest encouraged shoppers to take a picture of themselves with a receipt from a Love Burns Lake business. These photos were posted on a Facebook page with the winner taking home a gift certificate for a Love Burns Lake business of their choice.
Even after Plaid Friday concluded, people still posted their selfies on Facebook to celebrate their favourite businesses.
Plaid Friday marks the kick-off to other shop local initiatives including Small Business Saturday, originally an American Express campaign which has picked up steam across North America, as well as the fifth annual BC Buy Local Week (November 28th to December 4th). These campaigns serve to not only generate foot traffic into local businesses, but to educate the public about the importance of supporting local businesses to help shift their consumer decision making process. These campaigns are particularly important during the holidays, when big spending decisions are often made.
Here are some great statistics as part of our BC Buy Local Week campaign that demonstrate the impact that shopping at local small businesses can have on a community.
