For over 20 years, our company has been a leader in the Canadian direct mail marketing landscape, witnessing firsthand the power of local connections. Our purpose is to help businesses grow, Canadians save & neighbourhoods thrive. As Canada Post's largest shared mail partner, reaching every Canadian household, we've helped over 18,000 businesses grow by harnessing the potential of direct mail. This blog explores the compelling reasons why Canadians prioritize local shopping and how your business can leverage direct mail to tap into this powerful sentiment.
Canadians are increasingly aware of the positive impact their spending decisions have on their communities. 97% of Canadians prefer buying local to support the economy, and 65% consider supporting Canadian-owned business important in their purchasing decisions. Studies show a strong preference for supporting local businesses. This preference stems from several factors:
Community Investment: Canadians understand that money spent at local businesses recirculates within their communities, supporting job creation, infrastructure, and local initiatives. They see local businesses as integral parts of their neighbourhoods.
Personal Connection: Local businesses often offer a more personalized shopping experience. Owners and staff are more likely to know their customers, offer tailored recommendations, and build lasting relationships. This personal touch is highly valued by Canadians.
Unique Products and Services: Local businesses often offer unique, handcrafted, or specialized products and services that are not available at large retailers. This distinctiveness appeals to Canadians looking for something different.
Trust and Transparency: Consumers often perceive local businesses as more trustworthy and transparent. They feel a closer connection to the products and services offered, and they appreciate the opportunity to learn about the business's story and values.
Environmental Considerations: Supporting local businesses often aligns with environmentally conscious choices. Shorter supply chains and reduced transportation contribute to a smaller carbon footprint.
In the digital age, direct mail remains a highly effective way for local businesses to connect with their target audience. It offers several advantages:
Targeted Reach: Direct mail allows you to reach specific neighbourhoods or demographics with tailored messages. As Canada Post's largest shared mail partner, we can help you reach every household in Canada, ensuring your message gets into the right hands.
Tangible and Memorable: Unlike digital ads that can be easily scrolled past, direct mail pieces are tangible. They can be held, read, and displayed, making a lasting impression.
Personalized Messaging: Direct mail can be personalized with the recipient's name and other relevant information, creating a sense of individual attention and making your message more impactful.
Measurable Results: Direct mail campaigns can be easily tracked and measured, allowing you to assess their effectiveness and refine your strategy. You can use unique codes or track website traffic to determine the return on your investment.
Canadians want to support a diverse range of local businesses, including:
Restaurants and Cafes: Local eateries offer unique culinary experiences and contribute to the vibrancy of neighbourhoods. QSRs make up a large portion of our most successful clients.
Retail Stores: Independent boutiques, specialty shops, and bookstores provide a personalized shopping experience and offer unique products.
Artisan and Craft Businesses: Local artisans and craftspeople create unique, handcrafted items that are highly valued by Canadians.
Farmers' Markets and Local Food Producers: Supporting local farmers and food producers ensures access to fresh, high-quality products and strengthens the local food system. We work with a number of grocers and food producers who have found great success utilizing direct mail.
Canadian Home Services: Some of our biggest clients are in the home improvement space such as roofers, hvac companies, windows & doors and landscaping. Canadians love supporting Canadian businesses of this variety as they know there is an additional layer of accountability and trust with local.
The desire to support local businesses is deeply ingrained in the Canadian psyche. By leveraging the power of direct mail, your business can connect with this sentiment, build strong relationships with your community, and thrive in the vibrant Canadian marketplace. We have helped almost every kind of business gain traction and grow. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create effective direct mail campaigns that drive results.