Living on a remote island comes with a unique beauty, rhythm, and sense of community. It also comes with limited access to goods, seasonal supply shortages, and higher prices due to shipping costs and import delays. That is why choosing to shop local this Christmas is more than a kind gesture—it is a vital investment in the people who make our island feel like home.
When we shop locally, we are doing much more than browsing handmade items or stopping in at a neighbourhood shop. We are putting money directly into the hands of island residents—the artisans, makers, carpenters, creators, and small business owners who rely on community support to survive, especially during the holidays. Large stores and international chains do not keep money circulating here. But when we pay a local vendor, that income goes right back into our island economy, supporting families, local suppliers, and services that strengthen everyday life.
Island living also means that store shelves are often limited to whatever has arrived on the latest cargo shipment. Shopping local gives us access to one-of-a-kind gifts that are made here, not shipped from overseas. Local products are crafted with pride, skill, and cultural influence, offering something special, meaningful, and personal. These gifts reflect our island’s identity and carry the spirit of community from one home to another.
Supporting local businesses also reduces the environmental impact of holiday shopping. Instead of relying on shipments, overpackaged imports, or long-distance deliveries, we choose sustainable, island-made options that leave a lighter footprint.
Most importantly, shopping local keeps our island strong. It helps our neighbours thrive, preserves the character of our community, and ensures that the people who make this place special can continue their work.
This Christmas, let your spending create real impact. Support the locals. Strengthen the island. Celebrate the season with gifts that come from the heart of your home.