Tri-community vendors will once again be moving their holiday sales online this season. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Christmas shopping

Home-based businesses in tri-communities move online to boost holiday sales

Nov 22, 2021 | 5:00 PM

A Facebook group that only comes online during the Christmas holiday season has become a familiar place for local home-based business owners looking to sell their products.

During pre-pandemic years, it was common for at least one holiday market to occur in the tri-communities where residents could view and purchase items in-person. This year marks the second time there likely will be no in-person sales event, so local vendors are again turning to the La Ronge and Area Online Holiday Market.

“There’s usually really good interaction online,” said Greg Lobb, the group administrator and owner of Mosquito Workshop. “That’s the thing is that’s it’s available to everyone. We are just getting into the season now, so hopefully things pick up. I’ve experienced a pretty good amount of interaction and sales have been there.”

The online market was first used in 2020, but remained archived from Boxing Day last year until about a week ago. When Lobb unarchived the page, there were only about 500 members and that number has since grown to nearly 1,000.

Products for sale in the group have a wide range and include artwork, handmade soaps, clothing, pet treats and supplies, wood and glass products, jewelry, beadwork, canned goods and more.

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“It’s just giving people a vessel to display what they do knowing that markets aren’t going to happen,” Lobb said. “I’m typically booked for at least three or four markets per season. None of those happened for me, so I needed a place too. So, if you build it, they will come.”

Greg Lobb is the owner of Mosquito Workshop in Air Ronge. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Lobb also explained it could be a good year for residents to buy products from local craftspeople. Throughout the pandemic, there has been supply chain issues and there are currently a large amount of cargo ships waiting in ports to unload imported goods. He believes those problems could be worsened by the recent flooding and mudslides in British Columbia.

Lobb noted those concerns can be alleviated by deciding to support local vendors this holiday season.

“These are the people in your community. We all have to rely on each other,” he said. “I depend on this income to feed my family and to support me in other ways. I definitely appreciate the support.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno