Small businesses and local businesses are the backbone of our communities and our economy. They’re run by passionate entrepreneurs, who see a need and address it. They invest time, energy and love into making our Canadian towns and cities unique.
And right now our local businesses are at risk. Whether they’re one-person shops just starting up, or whether they started tiny, and have grown to support all kinds of Canadian communities, they’re facing hard times.
Over the next few weeks and months, each time you need to buy something, please consider local businesses first. They feel the strain, they’re coming up with creative ways to make it through, and they need you. You get to choose where your dollars go, and right now that decision is more important than ever.
So, we’ve gone ahead and made a list of the businesses we love. They cross genres like clothing, food, wine, and just about anything you can think of, and to make things extra simple, we’re breaking them down by category below.
When you need to purchase, please consider looking here first (or looking for a similar business in your community!). Your purchases matter, and so do you!
And if you know of a business who should be added to the list, please let us know!
Clothing/Apparel
Alder Apparel – they’re launching the Open Air pant, and make adventuring accessible to all!
Knix – the best underwear you’ll ever wear, and they’re doing amazing work to fundraise for PPE for healthcare workers
Canoe and Lake – cottage comfy clothes you’ll love
North Standard – the quality classics your wardrobe didn’t know it needed, now available online. Trust me, you’ll find something you love. Em’s bear hat that you guys love is from this gem of a store!
Kid’s Clothing Apparel
Made for the Lake – clothes, hats, decals and more thoughtfully designed and printed. They’ll make you feel like you’re at the lake, even when you can’t be!
Jan and Jul – Sun hats, rain gear and other outdoor gear to keep your kids happy outside
Pika Layers – the softest pjs and base layers for little explorers. And you save 15% on your first purchase with the code EMMETT15.
PK Beans – 25% off sale, and launching the Explorers Club to keep kids busy and playful
hey folks – formerly minimoc, they’re known for their kids shoes but now made fab adult kicks too!
Little Buck Shop – adorable hats for your littles
The Good Kid – clothes, designed and printed in Ontario. You need their “good things grow in Ontario” tee!
Modern Rascals – cute, bright, responsibly made clothing for your kids, and the wooden toys of your dreams!
Wine
Huff Estates – Happy Household Survival Kits, 4-6 bottles with free delivery!
Southbrook Vineyards – partner company Linc Farm, organic meat
Food
Purdy’s – one of Canada’s original Chocolatiers, you can purchase all the goodies online, perfect for Easter!
Fragola – they deliver fresh, healthy baby and toddler food right to your door. They’re reducing prices and collecting donations for moms in need. So, they’re basically amazing.
Mary Be Kitchen – some of the best tasting, healthy, made-from-scratch food in the city that’s ready for take out
Makr Pizza – they’re the best pizza in town (you gotta try the Frank’s Best!), and they have delivery and take out options in the city
El Mariachi Tacos – in case you need your take-out taco fix, this Mississauga locale boasts the best tacos in town
Sourdough Schoolhouse – online bread and pasta courses and live digital workshops
Living Apothecary Tea – free shipping for your morning sipping, they make therapeutic teams and your cup will thank you
Lady Glaze Donuts – if you happen to be in the Kitchener/Waterloo area, these donuts will make your dreams come true. Curbside pick-up and delivery available!
Home/Decor
Burrow – amazing finds for your home, always worth a stop when they’re up and running again in person, and for now, they’ll ship any Umbra products straight to your door
Grey Woods Co. – rustic, handmade décor for your home that you’ll love
Other
Rainbow Songs – music classes in the GTA for your young kiddos, so you can set up something to look forward to together when the dust settles
Rebelstork – an baby gear resale company, that’s doing some amazing fundraising to support new moms too
Fluf Bags – 20% off stock and free shipping on orders over $39
Bottle None – shampoo minus the bottle, you need to check this out!
Toy Town Toronto – the oldest independent toy store in Toronto, this North Toronto gem is offering local delivery and curbside pick-up to keep your little busy
Foli – plants delivered to your door? ENOUGH. SAID.
Eco and Amour – green options for your whole home. A refill location usually, but they’re shipping online and offering gift cards right now
Wonderkind – send a little pick me up to someone you love with these thoughtfully crafted gifts from across Canada
Shy Wolf Candles – because self-care has never been more important
