‘In-store traffic… in-store experience’

Streetwear, collectible sneakers and now a limited-edition tote bag — it’s all available at the Collab Shop.

The McDermot Avenue store is participating in the Exchange District Business Improvement Zone’s sixth annual “Shop Local, Shop the Exchange” campaign, which kicked off Saturday and runs until Dec. 31.

Customers who spend $75 or more at the Collab Shop — or one of 19 other participating businesses — will receive a special tote bag. Many of the Exchange District businesses also have window art aimed at brightening the neighbourhood and giving it a festive feel in the lead-up to Christmas.

Rodney Francisco and his two business partners opened the Collab Shop almost five years ago. Sales have been down this year, he said, something he attributes to people choosing to shop online.

“We thrive on in-store traffic,” Francisco said. “That’s what we try to push more: the in-store experience.”

He’s hoping the shop local campaign creates an uptick in the number of people walking through the doors.

“They (the BIZ) do a great job of trying to bring in more retail traffic into downtown,” Francisco said. “For us to participate, it just helps us as a small business.”

The BIZ started its holiday campaign to shop local in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This year, more than 40 Winnipeg shops, galleries and artists are participating.

U.N. Luggage, which has operated on McDermot Avenue in the East Exchange District since 1989, is one of them. Co-owner Jon Thiessen said he participates because he believes in the neighbourhood.

“There are a variety of great shops,” Thiessen said. “They’re well-curated (and) they have a great vibe.”

It’s difficult to say if the campaign leads to more people shopping at U.N. Luggage, Thiessen said. His hope is business owners in the area talk to their customers and recommend other nearby shops and restaurants.

“You want to sort of convince your own customer base to think this is more than just a one-store destination (and that) it’s actually a neighbourhood,” he said.

This year marks Rebecca Popoff’s first time participating in the campaign. Popoff owns Shakti, which sells wellness products, jewelry and clothing. After operating in Osborne Village for 15 years, she moved the store to 296 McDermot Ave. in February.

The BIZ promotion kicked off on Small Business Saturday, an annual campaign by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business that encourages people to shop locally at the start of the holiday shopping season.

Popoff said sales on Saturday were great, though she doesn’t necessarily attribute it to the CFIB campaign.

“I don’t know if it was a great day because everyone woke up deciding to support small businesses or because the snow had landed and that knocks people into thinking they should start their Christmas shopping,” she said.

Thiessen suspects it was the Black Friday weekend shopping drive that brought people into his store on Saturday, rather than the CFIB campaign.

“(It’s) just so massive,” he said of Black Friday, adding for many businesses, it’s become a four-day sale.

The “Shop Local, Shop the Exchange” campaign has become increasingly popular, said David Pensato, executive director at the BIZ. He said that last year, most stores ran out of tote bags within a few days.

“People are really proud of them,” he said. “I even saw someone in Toronto with one when I was there last.”

The Exchange District’s historic architecture lends itself to the holidays, Pensato added.

“There’s a reason why they film … Christmas movies here,” he said. “It’s not an experience you’ll get in a mall and we’re really proud of that, and I think Winnipeggers are, too.”

The BIZ is also promoting its ninth annual Hot Beverage Week, which started Monday and ends on Sunday. More than 15 participating cafés, bars and breweries have created unique beverages for the event.

aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca