The Estevan Chamber of Commerce is reminding people about the importance of shopping locally now that many have started their Christmas shopping.

Community development manager Michel Cyrenne said Estevan boasts a vibrant and growing retail sector, and shopping locally allows the retailers to thrive, and the business sector to grow.

“In the last couple years, we've had a number of new retail establishments set up here in Estevan, and I think it's important to support that business community, and ensure that we have them for the long-term,” said Cyrenne.

If people are looking for furniture and appliances, clothing, sporting goods or anything else, there are now multiple options for shoppers.

“In past years, there was concern that there was only one place to go for this or for that, but that's not the case any more,” said Cyrenne. “I think if we want to make sure that we have that competition for the foreseeable future, we definitely have to make sure that we're giving them a chance to compete for your business.”

A couple of events will be offered to encourage people to shop locally. One is the inaugural Deck the Mall tree decorating event, which will kick off on December 1. The event, which will be held at the Estevan Shoppers Mall, will encourage businesses to enter their well-decorated Christmas trees, which will then be judged through various criteria.

A People's Choice Award will also be handed out.

Deck the Trees will kick off the same day as the mall's annual Breakfast with Santa.

The other event is the Chamber's annual Kick-off to Christmas in downtown Estevan, which will happen December 6 in conjunction with the Downtown Action Committee's Moonlight Madness event. The kick-off will feature the lighting of the Christmas tree at City Hall, the mayor's Christmas message, sleigh rides with Santa Claus, a scavenger hunt through the different downtown retailers, which will be organized by the Souris Valley Museum, and discounts and late-night shopping at many retailers.

The Chamber also offers Pure Energy Bucks throughout the year, and this is a popular time for the program, Cyrenne said, as many purchase them as gifts, gift cards or Christmas bonuses. Pure Energy Bucks can be redeemed as cash at many businesses in the community.