Shop the Shore Christmas Campaign a great success

Everyone's a winner baby!

Well the Christmas Shop the Shore campaign has come to an end, and with thousands of stickers distributed and hundreds of ballots entered we consider it a great success.

Some fun facts about shopping locally this holiday season:

• The top three local gifts given were: Chocolates, Toys, and Jewellery. This should come as no surprise as, except for Electronics, these are the same top items reported by Major department stores for the holidays.
• A un-scientific analysis of the local calling area of phone numbers would indicate that while 50% of the entries were made by residents of South Etobicoke, the other half of gifts were purchased and received by people living outside of the immediate area.
• The furthest afield was an entry for a former Lakeshore resident who now lives in Peterborough.
• 83% of ballots entered were by the gift givers, with the balance of 17% being entered by the gift receivers.
• 76% of those that responded told us that they shopped in the Lakeshore more this year than they have in the past.

So if 76% of people that entered ballots declared that they did more shopping on the Shore this holiday, with thousands of stickers distributed this season, its not a stretch to say that thousands of extra dollars were spent in local retail this season.

Thank you everyone, and good for you!

Winners

The title of this post is that everyone's a winner, and when residents shop locally as much as they can, we believe that is true (everyone except the national retailers that is).

But three local shoppers are even bigger winners as their taking the time to enter a ballot has earned them a fantastic gift basket of goodies from your local retailers. These baskets include spa treatments, chocolate truffles, Webkinz, organic coffee and much more.

The following shoppers' ballots were selected from all the ballots entered:

• Irene Hilton
• Petra Schmitz
• Margot Wheeler

The numbers were selected randomly but the chances to win are increased by the number of entries, and I'm glad to say that two of the winners entered a numerous times.

Irene, Petra and Margot can arrange to pick up their prizes by writing an email to ourlakeshore@gmail.com. We will also be contacting you directly.

Below is a sample of some of the great things people bought on the Lakeshore for the Holidays. As you can see from the comments, people were very enthusiastic about shopping locally.

Have a great 2010, from the volunteers at Our Lakeshore.

Comments from Participants (Gifts Purchased listed below)

* So great to see a variety of new really nice stores in the neighbourhood. All of the store owners are super friendly too!
* This sticker idea is a good one. Lets help our community
* I generally Shop the Shore all year round because I believe thet shopping locally will help retain the character of our neigbourhood by supporting local merchants.
* The Loot Lady has great stocking stuffers and wrapped teacher gifts.
* I rarely buy gifts at shopping malls during the holiday. I find everything i need within walking distance. Many items i find are made from local artists. Everyone should shop locally!
* Never know about this store. I found what i was looking for.
* Everything I buy is in my local area on The Lakeshore. I believe in supporting local businesses and between Royal York and Kipling Ave. you can get pretty much find whatever you need.
* I try to purchase on the Lakeshore as much as possible. I think that supporting our local murchants is good for the community.
* Great hand-made chocolates, nice presentation, wonderful taste. And the're local, on top of that.
* The Lakeshore has become a diversified area in which to find many Christmas ideas for gifts.
* A wonderful place to shop.good idea!
* I really enjoy discovering and re-discovering shops along the shore, we have so much to offer!
* Also as a fellow retailer it would be nice to see more retailers lead by example when it comes to supporting local businesses.
* I like this idea, it gives an idea about what's going on in the area.
* I actually pretty much took care of all my X-mas shopping just using the lake Shore, from Massage therapy to Wine, and chocolates...local drug store IDA had great gift bags and wrapping and stocking stuffers. The Rexall further east had some older stock candles and more, it was fun to hunt around pre-christmas.
* We just recently moved to Peterborough from the seventh street. the gift was given by my uncle who still lives in the neighbourhood.
* Thank you! :)

Gifts Purchased

* Toys
* Jewellry
* Pashmina
* Christmas decorations
* LED Alarm Clock
* Baked goods
* Webkinz's
* Christmas ornaments
* Army Jacket
* Clock
* Chocolates
* Hat
* Shoes
* Watch
* Book
* Bracelet
* Chocolates
* Children's Toys
* Carrot cake
* The Best Chocolate Ever!!
* Lego
* 2 men's shirts
* Framing a watercolour
* Framed printmaking
* Earrings & broach
* Stacking Case
* Games
* Christmas fudge in multiples
* Necklace
* Ring
* Cinnamon Capuccino Mix
* chocolate angel
* cookies
* Loot bags
* book
* Lego
* Coffee
* fruitcake
* watch
* massage belt
* tea
* Necklace
* novelty gum and coin purse
* Coffee
* Book
* Glass
* Stovetop
* Kettle
* mac&cheese
* clock
* massage
* tie
* shirt
* Coffee Beans
* Christmas Cookies
* Maple syrup
* Health food items
* jacket
* Gloves
* jewelerymemorabilia piece
* coffee/tea/accessories