Late night shoppers filled the streets of Assiniboia on November 13 for the second annual Fa la la We’re local shopping venue in town from 2-9 p.m. There were bargains and sales throughout Assiniboia during this special occasion arranged a few weeks before the Christmas season. The theme of the evening was the importance of local shopping and how spending cash in the community helps to strengthen Assiniboia’s economy.
“Nights like these are the reason we can be here,” said Ashley Kaal, the manager of Timothy Daniels Clothing Company on Centre Street. “Local shoppers will keep our doors open,” she added.
Kevin Hagley, a part-owner of Harvey’s Home Centre, said encouraging local shopping mattered, because it’s vital to “Keep our doors open and our employees working. I want a good quality of life for our employees.” Hagley depicted the operation he shares with two other owners on Second Avenue West as an establishment that has retained a variety of local professionals who work in many different sectors, including cashiers, furniture sales, delivery drivers and carpet and floor layers. For Hagley, local shopping isn’t meant to merely line his pockets with cash. Rather, he emphasized how shopping in the community has assisted in raising the standards of living in this district through such factors as the expansion of local employment opportunities. Moreover, shopping in the neighbourhood has helped to maintain Assiniboia’s status as a vital hub for goods and services in the region.
Janelle Simard owns The Paisley Teacup Studio and Market on Centre Street. Adding to Hagel’s argument about preserving Assiniboia as a commercial focal point in south central Saskatchewan, she said “Shopping local makes sense to keep things rolling.”
Kelli’s Fashions, a women’s clothing store on 102 First Street West, is owned by Bernier Chevrier. Chevrier emphasized how local shops not only reinforce the economy, but stores based in Assiniboia and other rural communities are able to offer top-quality and personalized services in contrast to larger, urban-based establishments. “Local shopping helps the local economy. We provide excellent services compared to big box stores,” the owner and operator explained further.
