Town of Cochrane economic development officer Robert Kalinovich and economic development manager Mike Korman hand out Proudly Cochrane reusable shopping bags at a local grocery store. Photo courtesy Town of Cochrane.
Dec. 02, 2015 | Gerald Vander Pyl
Cochrane unveils shop local initiative
Designed to promote sustainable communityThe Town of Cochrane has launched a new campaign that encourages residents to shop local and support the community as a place to live, work and play.
Dubbed Proudly Cochrane, the initiative is designed to highlight the shopping opportunities that exist within the town of more than 20,000 residents, said economic development manager Mike Korman.
"It's really about being proud to come home from wherever we work and to shop at the local stores – (to) just sort of create a little buzz," he said, noting the campaign is supported through the hashtag #shopcochrane on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as via testimonials at www.cochrane.ca/ShopCochrane.
Korman notes Cochrane's shopping scene has expanded greatly in recent years, with everything from one-of-a-kind boutiques to big-box stores in shopping areas such as the Quarry.
"Our message is come home to shop. (So) think of the local businesses, whether big, small, franchise or otherwise," he said.
Korman added the initiative's timing in light of Alberta's economic slowdown is not a coincidence.
"With troubling economic times, we really wanted to support the businesses that are here trying to survive, just like everybody else," he said.
Korman estimated 35 to 40 per cent of Cochrane's workforce commutes to jobs in Calgary, meaning it's tempting for them to do their shopping while in the big city.
"We're just trying to make sure they appreciate the services provided here," said Korman.
He says the Town sees opportunities to provide more shopping in the future, including becoming a regional retail hub for smaller communities and rural areas both north and south of the community. Most recently, Cochrane has added several larger retailers such as Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Marks Work Warehouse, Staples and Walmart.
Tagged: Calgary Real Estate News | Cochrane | Economy | recession | retail | shopping
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