It’s a good time to think outside the big-box and online stores.

While the temptation might be to head online for holiday shopping and avoid the headache of navigating stores in the midst of a pandemic, area municipalities and businesses urge the community to shop locally.

The year “2020 has been a rough ride for many folks, and we’re not through the thick of it,” said Tyler King, Wasaga Beach’s economic development officer.

The town’s message to the community is: It matters where you spend your money.

“Shopping from home and supporting large online retailers can be convenient, but there are consequences to the convenience,” he said. “Support local means more than just spending money in the backyard. Supporting local means investing in the community.”

The town has signs dotted throughout the community urging residents to support local businesses, and in July the economic development department launched an online portal which includes a business directory ().

Troy Disabato, who owns Torn Pages in Stayner, asks shoppers to check in with local businesses to see what they have in stock.

“Communication is a huge key … locals need to find out what’s in their community,” said Disabato, who adapted his business strategy in response to the pandemic, offering curbside service and in-town delivery.

Lisa Squire, who co-owns the Stayner Home Hardware with her husband John, said locals have been very supportive of businesses in the community throughout the pandemic.

She said her customers have also been very appreciative of the safety measures the store has put in place, such as limiting the number of people in the store and making sure touch points are sanitized.

“Customers feel safe, knowing that we are being careful,” she said. “On every level, safety of customers and staff is our No. 1 priority. We have too much to protect to make safety anything but first.”

King said spending money locally keeps it within the community.

“The temptation is to spend at large online retailers … but the consequences are that money doesn’t trickle down to local sports teams, into that charitable fundraiser, into local events and festivals,” he said. “The small and mid-sized businesses are not there just to support jobs and families, but they’re there to support the community and what makes it unique.”

And, said Disabato, it’s always good to check in with local store owners — if only to provide a mental-health boost.

“My regulars were reaching to me to ask if I was doing OK, can they still make requests for books. On a personal level, I knew there was still support,” he said. “Let a store owner know they’re doing a good job, thank them for respecting health guidelines.

“Let’s not lose that this is the season to be happy and respectful — let’s not lose that, even with the pandemic. It’s like the Three Musketeers, all for one and one for all — we have to be in it together.”

Story behind the story:  As we shift into the holiday season, Simcoe.com checked in with area businesses to talk about the importance of shopping locally.