Work Well Blog
March 3, 2025
5 Reasons to Shop Local in Newfoundland and Labrador
Shopping local isn’t just a good idea — it’s a way to keep our communities strong, vibrant, and connected. At Dicks and Company Basics, we’ve been proudly serving Newfoundland and Labrador since 1840, helping businesses and individuals find the right products with friendly, expert service. Here’s why choosing local makes a difference.
1. Support Jobs and Strengthen the Economy
When you shop locally, your money stays within the community, helping to create jobs and grow businesses right here in Newfoundland and Labrador. On average, for every dollar spent at a local business, 66 cents stays within the local economy, compared to just 11 cents for multinational retailers (cfib-fcei.ca). It’s not just about buying products — it’s about investing in people, families, and the future of Newfoundland and Labrador. Plus, we’re proud to offer a Made in Canada section, giving you access to quality products while supporting Canadian manufacturing. Sourcing locally made products is now more important than ever. By choosing Canadian-made, you help avoid pricing uncertainties and supply chain disruptions while supporting businesses that keep jobs and economic growth within our country.
2. Everything You Need, All in One Place
Running a business? Setting up a home office? Need printing services? We’ve got you covered. Our 30,000-square-foot distribution centre in St. John’s stocks over 8,000 products, and with branch locations in Carbonear, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Corner Brook, we make it easy to get what you need—when you need it.
3. Local Knowledge You Can Trust
Living on an island comes with its own logistical challenges, and shipping to Newfoundland and Labrador can be complicated. Delays due to ferry schedules, weather disruptions, and high transportation costs are all realities of getting products here. Because we’re a local business, we work within these constraints every day and have the experience to navigate them efficiently. That means more reliable availability and faster solutions for our customers — without the unexpected delays that can come from ordering from companies unfamiliar with our province’s unique shipping realities.
4. Personalized Service, Every Time
Big-box stores and online giants can’t compete with the personal service of a local business. Many of our 70+ employees have been with us for over a decade, meaning they know our products inside and out. Whether you need help choosing the right office chair, setting up a printer, or finding the best supplies for your workspace, we’re here to offer real advice — not just generic recommendations.
5. Reliable Supply, Even in Tough Times
With 185 years of experience, we’ve seen it all — economic shifts, supply chain challenges, and changing business needs. Through it all, we’ve remained a reliable partner for our customers. As a founding member of Canadian Workplace Solutions, we combine local service with national buying power, ensuring competitive prices and a steady supply of products, even when global supply chains are unpredictable.
Choose local and make an impact! Shopping local isn’t just about convenience — it’s about supporting a thriving Newfoundland and Labrador. Whether you’re picking up office supplies, upgrading your workspace, or looking for expert advice, Dicks and Company Basics is here for you. Visit us in-store or browse online and experience the difference of shopping local.
