GoLocal XL is set for July 24-27 on Boardwalk Boulevard and will be featured in this Thursday’s Out ’n About supplement. Billed as “the biggest local shopping experience of the summer” it promises a fun-filled weekend with live entertainment.
40+ local vendors have been announced, offering a wide variety of goods including home-made ones. The event is said to be all about supporting small businesses and celebrating everything authentically local.
There is no doubt that merchants in Philipsburg can use the additional foot traffic it probably will bring, especially during the slower cruise period. Although ships are still coming, the total number of passengers obviously remains considerably smaller than in the traditional high season.
Besides, it’s an opportunity to meet face-to-face and socialise with others, something which is unfortunately becoming increasingly rare in today’s digital world. There is thus growing value in human interaction
Stores were heavily impacted by the advent of direct shipping from overseas by online providers like Amazon, often at lower prices they have trouble competing with. Proposals for a specific tax targeting such activities have so far not been implemented.
However, on-island businesses employ persons living here, pay taxes that make collective service and facilities possible, as well as premiums for health coverage, the old age pension, etc. Next time you want to order something abroad, keep that in mind.
