Mastercard is launching an interactive holiday shopping initiative in Fort Langley, British Columbia, aimed at encouraging local shopping and supporting small businesses. Running from November 30 to December 15, 2024, the initiative transforms the town into an immersive shopping destination while highlighting the critical role small businesses play in local economies.
A Holiday Initiative Focused on Small Businesses
The Fort Langley event invites families to participate in a storybook-inspired experience designed to draw attention to local shops. Visitors receive a complimentary storybook that unfolds as they shop at participating businesses. The book tells the tale of Cranberry, a fictional sparkle sprite working to spread cheer in the town. Storefront displays and in-store art installations bring the story to life.
Shoppers who use Mastercard for purchases at participating stores can collect puzzle pieces depicting Fort Langley landmarks. Once completed, the puzzle creates a scenic image of the town as a keepsake.
Economic Impact of Small Businesses
According to Statistics Canada, small businesses accounted for 35.1% of the country’s private sector GDP in 2020. Events like the Fort Langley shopping experience aim to bolster sales for these businesses during the busy holiday shopping season.
This initiative is part of Mastercard’s broader efforts to support small businesses, which include providing resources for digital payments, cybersecurity tools, and funding opportunities. While Mastercard’s involvement is framed as a way to drive community engagement, the primary focus remains on drawing consumer traffic to small businesses and enhancing their visibility.
Collaboration with Jillian Harris
Canadian entrepreneur Jillian Harris is collaborating with Mastercard for the campaign. Harris, known for her advocacy of small businesses, has spoken about the challenges entrepreneurs face and the importance of local support.
“Shopping locally helps sustain the small businesses that are central to communities,” said Harris. “This initiative shines a light on their efforts during a crucial time of year.”
Beyond Fort Langley: A Long-Term Vision
The Fort Langley experience is part of Mastercard’s wider strategy to roll out similar initiatives across North America in 2025 and beyond. These events are designed to combine consumer engagement with support for small business growth.
Mastercard has also developed programs to provide business owners with resources, mentorship, and tools for navigating challenges in a competitive marketplace. These include cybersecurity solutions, digital integration support, and networking opportunities through its Small Business Community platform.
The event begins at Fort Langley Town Hall at 9167 Glover Rd, where visitors can pick up their storybook and learn more about the participating stores. Further details can be found at www.mastercard.ca/FortLangley.
While the initiative blends festive activities with support for local businesses, it remains to be seen how effectively it will boost foot traffic and sales in the town during the holiday season.
