Why Shopping Local Matters
Prince Edward Island’s local economy is at a crossroads. The fact is, we are heavily reliant on $1.8 billion in annual exports to the United States, making us vulnerable to external shocks like looming tariffs. U.S. imposed tariffs will have serious consequences not just for the Island’s 249 local exporters and their over 8,000 employees, but for all business in the province. However, one positive from this climate of uncertainty is that we’re witnessing in real time that Islanders, and Canadians, are already rethinking their spending habits.
Changing consumer behaviour may seem miniscule on an individual basis but collectively spending habits have a BIG impact. Every Islander has the purchasing power to make a difference. By choosing to shop in locally run stores-whether it's a small independent business, a franchise, or a chain-Islanders can contribute to the livelihoods of their neighbours. The staff, and in most cases the owners, of these businesses are Islanders. They live here. They pay taxes. They shop local too.
Every dollar spent at a PEI-based business contributes to our local economy, which in turn funds vital services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure that benefit all Islanders. By shopping local, you’re not just supporting a business-you’re safeguarding local jobs and the economic future of our province.
PEI’s wholesale and retail trade sector employs over 11,000and is the largest private-sector employer on the Island.
OF EVERY DOLLAR SPENT AT A
CANADIAN SMALL BUSINESS STAYS IN THE
LOCAL
ECONOMY
70%
The private sector accounted for around 70% of PEI’s GDP in 2023
$167M
If every household in PEI shifted $50 per week from U.S. products to PEI products, up to $167.88 million would be redirected into the local economy annually.
AND THAT MEANS
If every household in Canada shifted $50 per week from U.S. products to Canadian products, up to $39 billion would be redirected into the Canadian economy annually.
$39B
