What Does Shop Local Even Mean?
When I typed that question into my browser, the AI response was: “choosing to purchase goods and services from independently owned businesses in your community rather than national chains or large online retailers.” And, it seems pretty self explanatory; but if you trace this idea to its heart, you’ll find the people in your communities. When you support a small business, you are really supporting dreams, imagination, grit, and passion; the endless hours behind those brands are – human, and they have families. They are your neighbours, parents to your kids friends, your friend so-and-so’s sister; these are the creative folks that make Cottage Country such a unique, interesting and enriching destination!
Fact: Money spent in a small business is money that stays local.
For every dollar you spend at small retailer, .66 cents stays in your local economy, whereas only .11 cents stays local when spending with multinational corporations. Keeping your dollars local means more hometown team sponsorships, charitable donations, and offers a direct impact on neighbourhood vitality.
Cottage Country is a region rich in innovative businesses offering a multitude of products and services you won’t find anywhere else. Make the choice to shop locally this Christmas, “As consumers, we have so much power to change the world by just being careful in what we buy.” -Emma Watson
Here are a few of our local suggestions to get you started:
Iconic Canadian retailer Mark’s Invites you to shop their huge selection of quality brands made for life in Canada; dump the hibernation plans Cottage Country – Mark’s Peterborough and Lindsay have everything to keep you toasty-warm and smiling all winter long! Put family favourites like Denver Hayes, WindRiver, and Dakota, as well as Carhartt, Columbia, Levi’s, and Blundstone under the tree this year.
With two locations to serve you: Mark’s Peterborough & Lindsay.
Nestled in the heart of Havelock, The Cottage is more than a shop — it’s a feeling. Step inside and you’re greeted by the comforting aroma of fresh coffee from The Cottage Café, shelves filled with treasures from beloved Canadian brands, and that unmistakable sense of small-town warmth that makes you want to stay awhile. From cozy winter wear and locally made candles to handcrafted teas, self-care favourites, and artisan treats, you’ll find gifts for everyone on your list — and maybe a little something for yourself!
Lockside Trading Company offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, helping you to create a living space to sit back, relax, and entertain in throughout the year. Find unique gifts, clothing, home décor, decorating ideas, and Canadian made furniture; all in a relaxing, festive atmosphere with personalized shopping and gift wrapping. Dedicated to supporting Canadians by offering Canadian Made products at great pricing and superior quality. Lockside also offers free interior design services, helping you create the spaces you dream of. With locations in Young’s Point and Haliburton, as well as their convenient online store, Lockside encourages you to keep your dollar local this year – give the gift of Canadian quality this year.
Give the gift of curiosity this Christmas! The Peterborough Museum and Archives has been awakening the imaginations of both young and old through impactful historical programming since they opened their doors at their current location in 1967. Through thoughtful installations, the Museum curates the opportunity to travel through time. Their gift Shop offers a selection of apparel, home decor, jewelry, Children’s toys, stuffs, and keepsakes. Share the gift of experience and learning with a loved one; “Embark on a journey of exploration, discovery, and imagination as you connect with the past.”
Bigley Shoes & Clothing – a family run business since 1911 – features one of the largest selections of shoes (over 40,000 pairs) in Eastern Ontario for men, women, and children. Bigley’s is more than shoes and style though, check out the other Bigley Stores! Bigley’s Little Shoppe: a store dedicated just to kids. Bigely’s Beach House: 25,000 swimwear articles for out-of-this-world styles. Bigley’s Cottage Kitchen: home décor, kitchenware, gourmet food, and sought-after brands. Bigley’s Sweet Treats: satisfy your sweet tooth with ice cream, sweet sundaes, frozen yogurt and more.
Todd Equipment Ltd. is your full-service dealership in Fraserville, Ontario, for everything related to powersports vehicles. We offer the widest selection of both new and pre-owned ATVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, tractor’s and lawn equipment from the best brands on the market such as Polaris, Massey Ferguson, and Cub Cadet as well as an expert service parts and service department.
Since 1976 Griffin’s Greenhouses has been serving Peterborough and the surrounding area with an exceptional selection of perennials, annuals, giftware, decor, soils and mulch, and houseplants – add to that their seasonal offerings, urn club, workshops and custom planting services and you can see why the Griffin’s name has become a staple to their surrounding communities for over 49 years. Register for one of their up coming workshops and spread the Christmas cheer with your DIY seasonal decor. Hurry, they close for the season on December 21st!
The Old Tin Shed is ready to welcome you for Holiday shopping. Packed with the most unique local giftware, clothing, kitchen accessories, candles, hardware, art, handmade goods and one-of-a-kind decor; you are sure to find the perfect gift in their historic Church location in Bancroft, Ontario. Old Tin Shed is unlike anything you have enjoyed in the past and a beautiful drive to the country. Come for a visit; and be inspired.
From co-authors Jacob Rodenburg & Cathy Dueck: The Wild Path Home is a hopeful guide to raising Earth-connected children, offering practical, age-by-age strategies to nurture wonder, empathy, and lifelong stewardship for our shared planet. Published by New Society Publishers and available for purchase at: https://newsociety.com/book/the-wild-path-home/
“With its strong emphasis on the benefits of unstructured outdoor time, The Wild Path Home is an antidote to the anxiety, depression, and alienation faced by many young people today. Required reading for parents, caregivers, educators, and community leaders.”
Christmas is the perfect time to add power sports to your 2026 plans! Visit the Anstruther Marina showroom, located just outside Apsley, Ontario, and find a large selection of water toys, inflatable tow-behinds, water skis, PFD’s, and accessories; along with outdoor furniture by Canadian brand CR Plastics. Among the brands they carry – Kawasaki, Legend and Mercury – well-known brands that stand the test of time and provide years of enjoyment. Maybe Santa will park your new ATV, side-by-side, boat, or Jet-Ski beside the tree this year!
The Empire Cheese Co-op is your one-stop-shop for holiday entertaining this year! From tart jams to sweet jellies, spicy charcuterie additions, the perfect crackers, pickled preserves, and a large selection of flavoured and aged cheeses made in-house, Empire Cheese has something everyone in the family will want to nibble on. Their gift baskets make thoughtful gifts, that please the pallet and fill the belly of those you love. Make Empire Cheese part of your yearly Christmas Tradition, and don’t forget the curd!
Heming Limited is your number one stop for quality lawn and garden equipment. Founded in 1952 and now in the hands of the third generation of the Heming family. Heming Limited carries recognizable brands like Toro, STIHL, John Deere, and Portable Winch. Every unit sold is fully assembled, fuelled, and serviced before it leaves the showroom, and customers are shown how to use their new equipment safely and with confidence. They also service every brand they sell, and also carry a full inventory of chainsaw safety equipment and accessories.
