Le Panier Bleu – Yesterday, the province of Quebec launched an online shopping registry for local retailers in the hopes of boosting the current economy. Le Panier Bleu (The Blue Basket) will include a complete directory of Quebec merchants to mainstream local purchasing.
This digital platform will allow Quebecers to identify local products and services in each of the regions. I call on Quebecers to show solidarity with our local entrepreneurs and all their employees, said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec’s minister of economic development.
Consumers can choose from various categories including take-out, delivery, physical trade, virtual storefronts, and businesses that are currently operational. Le Panier Bleu is presently in its launch phase but promises to include details about each merchant, user profile options, and improved search options.
The goal of Le Panier Bleu is to provide Quebecers with a full directory of Quebec merchants that are open and ready to do business amidst the current pandemic but will not be transactional.
An onslaught of more than 1,000 business registrations caused the site to crash three hours post-launch. At present, the site is operational with limited registrations. Business owners are required to complete an online form that will be reviewed by a committee formed of business owners across various industries and two representatives from the Ministry of Economic Development.
Quebec merchants are encouraged to contact the province and include business details in addition to signing up for the site’s newsletter.
By: Harriette Halepis – info@mtltimes.ca
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