The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is planning an Invest Local campaign to convince shoppers to stay closer to home in the wake of reports suggesting cross-border shopping may be contributing to sluggish retail sales in B.C.
Executive director Michael Hind confirmed the chamber is seeking a qualified professional to research and develop a business plan for an Invest Local campaign that could be rolled out as early as September.
"We've been hearing from members for the past little while and we want to do what we can to help," Hind said.
The chamber has issued a request for proposal for a company to develop a Tri-Cities Invest Local campaign that promotes shopping in locally-owned and operated Tri-Cities businesses. It would also encourage people to invest in locally-managed and governed charitable organizations.
Hind said the campaign would expand on what is already going on among businesses that source materials and donate locally but would also present a business case about why it's a good idea.
The chosen candidate will be expected to do the research to support the business case and develop a basic marketing plan, including a logo, communications methods, and a campaign kit for members.
Hind said that if consumers and businesses made a shift to buy just 10% of their goods in their local stores it could make a difference.
"I think we want to educate people. If you think local first and shift a little bit of spending to local retailers it goes along way," Hind said.
According to the BC Business Council study published in May, B.C. residents spent an estimated $2.6 billion cross-border shopping in the U.S. last year.
- with files from Jeff Nagel
