The Saanich Peninsula features numerous and diverse retail operations in each of the three municipalities (North Saanich, Sidney, and Central Saanich). Retailers contribute to the region in many ways. They offer quality services and products that meet the needs of local citizens and visitors alike. By selling these quality offerings, they create jobs, pay taxes, fill commercial real estate facilities, and contribute to their community through beautification and donating to charitable causes that enrich the regions’ quality of life.
Retail businesses face very unique challenges in today’s economy (some trends are explained in this Chamber Blog Post). Many rely on the tourism industry to supplement the support they receive from locals. They face implications of local bylaws—like signage, street direction, parking, and others. The retail sector relies not only on steady customers, but also on support from elected officials who should pursue ways of ensuring the environment is fit for doing business.
The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce aims to work with owners or retail business to improve the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.
The Chamber is exploring the following activities along with partners:
- Enhanced cost-savings programs to ensure that the investment they make in the Chamber of Commerce is off-set by savings.
- Launch an online “Chamber Market” for the Saanich Peninsula as a catalyst and online venue for the Shop Local Movement and as a local and cost-effective alternative to Groupon (and other coupon services)
- Advocate to each municipality for more effective and responsive bylaws that help rather than hinder local retailers (i.e. flexible signage bylaws, revitalize the Keating area, and encourage the return of two-way traffic on Beacon Avenue in Sidney).
- Promote the Saanich Peninsula as a shopping and tourism destination that is effectively differentiated from Greater Victoria, but still utilizing our unique proximity to popular destinations. (i.e. support a regional Tourism Trolley initiative)
Some of the retailers in the region include:
Find more leading retailers on the Saanich Peninsula here.
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