Shop local from home

Posted March 30, 2020 | Author Alexis McEwen

While we practice social distancing to do our part to flatten the curve, online shopping is a logical choice. But if you think a giant multi-billion-dollar corporation is the only place you can shop online, think again. Many local businesses are adapting to the circumstances by adding or expanding their online stores and delivery or responsible pick-up methods. Now more than ever these local businesses need our support, so think local with some of the retailers listed below (and add a comment to spread the word about others as well).

Keep busy

Need some activities to pass the time? Don’t we all. DIY Craft Bar has created a “Crafts to Go” option. Visit their facebook page and contact them to purchase a craft kit delivered right to your door to make at home with your family. You’ll still need a few supplies you likely have at home (like paint, brushes and a glue gun), but your “Crafts to Go” kit will include most of the items you need to make the craft at home.

Family-favourite toy store Toad Hall Toys has closed their Exchange District doors, but you can order from their website – new 1000-piece puzzle perhaps? – and for a $5 fee they will deliver within Winnipeg weekdays after 3 pm. Or, you can let the toy experts choose something for you. Send an email to customer_service@toadhalltoys.ca including who the package is intended for, their age and interests plus your budget and phone number and they will put together an assortment of things you would never have thought of.

Self care

If gardening is your zen activity, have no fear because Shelmerdine Garden Centre is loading up their online shop with garden tools, décor, seeds, indoor plants and more as we get set for spring. They are offering free curbside pick-up or free delivery in Winnipeg with purchases of over $100.

Since spa treatments are off the table for the time being, ten spa has an online store with a range of skincare products and treatments. So give your skin some extra attention – free delivery in Winnipeg is available.

While the best-smelling store in Brandon has closed for now, you can still get It’s Charlow Darling! candles and other skin care and scent items from their online store. Plus, they are working on options to send care packages and birthday gifts – check their Instagram page for updates.

Looking good

Need a new outfit for that video call happy hour? Check out some of these local fashion retailers. Their Academy Road shop may be closed, but Mad About Style’s online boutique is open 24/7. Enjoy free shipping with the checkout code cozyathome. For those who just can’t wait for their package to arrive in the mail – Mad About Style is also offering curbside pick-up or delivery within Winnipeg limits. Designed and manufactured in Manitoba by a local Métis designer, Anne Mulaire’s online shop features beautiful and sustainable fashion. Enjoy free worldwide shipping until March 31.

The Osborne Village fave, Out of the Blue is having a site-wide sale, with free delivery in Winnipeg. Loka Boutique is making more of its inventory available online, letting you take advantage of free shipping in Winnipeg and $5 shipping beyond the city. And even though Patrik Laine isn't around to remind us, order your own “Winnipeg is Good” apparel online from North Flag.

Stock up

But not in a hoarding toilet paper kind of way. Here are some local retailers offering pantry and fridge staples to keep you going. Up the feel good factor as Ten Thousand Villages Brandon is trying out curbside pick-up having closed up shop. Place and pay your order (consider items like olive oil, coffee beans and hot chocolate) over the phone at 204-726-8755 and choose to pick up from the times outlined on their Facebook page.

If it’s grown in Manitoba, you can find it at Crampton’s Market. While the market has enacted strict social distancing policies (no more than 20 people in the store at once), it has also launched an online market and “no-contact” pick-up: you simply arrive at your pre-selected date and time, park and open your trunk and a market staff member will put in your groceries and close the trunk. Easy as Crampton’s house-made pie.

The Cheesemonger Fromagerie is offering a selection of cheesy options for delivery. Call 204-691-7555 to order items like grab bags featuring two to four pieces of the mongers’ favourite cheeses. Loaf and Honey at a glance of its Golden Prairie Cheese at wholesale prices – choose from an eighth of a wheel to a full 2kg wheel. This is in addition to their menu of meals and baking also available for delivery. Place your order by emailing loafandhoneycatering@gmail.com.

Long days at home with the kids mean you NEED your caffeine fix. Forth Winnipeg is featuring one of their favourite small Canadian roasters every week. Send them a DM on Instagram to order, and contactless delivery or pick-up will be arranged free of charge. St. Boniface’s Café Postal has opened a webshop, offering free delivery of its products (like Gimli’s own Flatland Coffee Roasters blends) right to homes in Winnipeg. And now, more than ever, we need beer. Trans Canada Brewing has launched an online store and free same-day delivery to select areas in Winnipeg. Plus, they are offering curbside pick-up for both beer and pizza (call 204-666-2337 to order in advance).

Sweet treats

Is it just us, or is eating cookies all you want to do? Chez Angela Bakery and Café in Brandon is urging customers to pre-order by phone at 204-721-0719 ext 3 and is offering curbside pick-up or delivery for orders over $35. Arborg Bakery is offering curbside pick-up on all its ice cream and baked products – call 204-641-4515 to order. Tall Grass Prairie Bakery is offering a delivery service (charges may apply, depending on location). Call 204-779-4082 to place an order for cinnamon buns, bread, cookies and more, by 1 pm two days ahead of delivery.

See this Only in the Peg post from Tourism Winnipeg with more small business love. Let us know in the comments below about other small businesses in your community that are adapting to the situation and that could use some extra support. We're in this together!

About The Author

I'm Alexis, Communications Manager for Travel Manitoba. I write about all kinds of awesome things that happen in Manitoba. And when I'm not writing about awesome things, I do my best to get out and experience them with my husband and two young sons.

Communications Manager