Other retailers are not out of the question for a new provincial program that encourages buying local.
NS Loyal kicked off this week and at the moment, is only in Sobeys and the NSLC.
Minister Susan Corkum-Greek says they are actively talking to other retail giants like Loblaw, Costco and Walmart because they realize Nova Scotians shop in a “multitude of places.”
However, those stores do not offer loyalty programs- a key part of NS Loyal.
Although not included just yet, Corkum-Greek says, independent retailers are also “very, very important”, such as Farmers’ markets.
“We have said to anyone out there who is selling Nova Scotia made goods that they can absolutely obtain branding for their stores and that’s available to them at no charge.”
Premier says more work to do
Meanwhile, Premier Tim Houston says fulfilling their campaign promise to encourage buying local is “a work in progress.”
He says there are four parts to the NS Loyal program including branding, $10 food vouchers for Farmers’ Markets sent out to students and giving local companies a leg up when landing contracts.
If a Nova Scotian business is within 10 per cent of the leading bid and the other bidder is not a Nova Scotian business, the local company will be awarded the contract.
The fourth is an incentive program.
Houston says to nail that down, they talked to over 10,000 people.
“We heard loud and clear from them, and the research would show that 70 per cent of Nova Scotians are already active users of a loyalty program and loyal to it and they asked us to meet them where they are.”
The partnership with Sobeys includes in-store displays promoting local products, with one week a month where shoppers can earn Scene+ points.
You can find NS Loyal branding in stores now.
–with files from Evan Taylor
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