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Concession Road Mercantile nominated for Ontario Made award

December 9, 2021   ·   0 Comments

At a time when many businesses have struggled due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a push to support local and Canadian made products over those from overseas to help keep our economy strong.

Concession Road Mercantile in Alliston has been nominated in the Retail Spotlight Award category of the inaugural Ontario Made Awards. 

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters is sponsoring the awards for businesses that promote and sell Ontario made products. The awards go to Ontario manufacturers and retailers that help consumers make informed decisions in increasing the sale and awareness of Ontario-made products. 

The categories include Manufacturer Spotlight, Merchandising Excellence, and Consumer Awareness.

Concession Road Mercantile offers many products that are either manufactured in Ontario or come from Ontario based businesses.

Concession Road store owner Carol Austin said she always prefers locally produced merchandise and sources products from the province whenever she can.

“If I can find something from Ontario, I buy it first,” she explained of her philosophy when keeping her store’s shelves full of merchandise.

Her store is filled with all sorts of unique items you won’t find anywhere else. There are body products, candles, housewares, and even a baby section. Currently the store has a very seasonal mood with many holiday products.

“If you take the time to source out Ontario companies, there’s trust there,” Ms. Austin said of procuring locally-made products. “You can trust that in my store; I’ve curated everything in the store so you can trust me that I’m looking for good quality products.”

Sourcing Ontario-made products is just a matter of getting out there and looking.

“Sourcing happens in a variety of ways,” Ms. Austin explained. “I’m always looking at trends and products, and attend gift shows and markets. I look for talented people or a specific type of product. Some people reach out to me, sometimes I get customer suggestions. For all our products I look for good quality, affordability, and if possible, made in Canada.”

Buying Ontario made products helps keep money local and that money ends up going back into the local community.

Consumers can take part in the awards process by voting for their favourite manufacturer or retailer.

From December 1, to January 7, 2022, you can cast a vote for your favourite.

Every time an individual submits a vote, they are entered to win one of five $100 gift cards to a registered Ontario Made manufacturer of their choice.

You can vote on-line by visiting www.ontariomade.awardsplatform.com.

By Brian Lockhart
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

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