Beat last-minute rush by shopping local
As we get closer and closer to December 25, the gift-getting window of opportunity shrinks more and more.
Instead of doing a run on one of the malls on the island or the South Shore, why not make some time for one of the many businesses and crafters in town?
“By shopping locally, you’re supporting your community, you’re supporting your family, you’re supporting your friends, not just directly, but also indirectly,” said Daryl Leclaire, director of business services at Tewatohnhi’saktha.
He said that spending money in a local business can allow them to also spend that money to help other local businesses, either when buying supplies or for their own private purchases.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about supporting one another in that way,” said Leclaire.
Kahnawake boasts a lot of different kinds of local businesses, which means a lot of options to find something for that special someone in your life.
Many offer gift baskets crafted specifically for the holidays, like Sequoia Soaps, or Mohawk Gas & Mini-Mart.
Or, if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, going to Thrifting the Night Away and giving a second life to something special or unique will definitely be a nice change of pace from something bought in a mall.
Some places offer a place to be and an ambiance on top of the products they sell. That includes Astronomical Cards and Comics, who don’t just offer the collectibles any trading card game enjoyer could want, but also a fun place to spend some time with like-minded folks.
“We have a very wide variety of comics, collectibles, toys, posters, all kinds of trading card games, hockey cards, and football cards,” said Wishe Delisle, owner and manager of Astronomical Cards and Comics.
“And on top of that, we have TVs, we play music, and Sundays are for football. We have football up on the TVs while we have our Magic: The Gathering event.”
Not sure what to get someone on your list? There’s always the Shop Kahnawake program to help you out.
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“Given the season, it’s a great stocking stuffer,” said Leclaire, who added that Christmas is by far the busiest time of the year for Shop Kahnawake gift certificates.
“But going beyond Christmas, if you’re not sure what to buy somebody, but you know you want to get them something, there are over 150 locations that accept them locally. There’s a guarantee that there’s something for everybody.”
