With the Christmas season upon us and stores everywhere beginning to set their 'holiday products' on display, many business owners are hoping residents shop local this Christmas – instead of online or at bigger box stores.

Rob Clark is the CEO of the Moose Jaw Chamber of Commerce. He knows businesses have to work harder than ever before to get customers coming into their shops, rather than shopping via major online stores during the holiday season.

"Businesses have to rethink what they're doing and they have to get engaged. They have to have a presence online, social media, and of course you still have your local market you have to tap in to."

Clark says that no matter what type of business you're in these days, an online presence is a necessity. "They need to promote themselves and somehow get on social media. They need a great presence on their website and maybe some local promotions. You could have everything in your store; you could have the best customer service, but if people aren't aware of it...I think what they need to do is up their game."

"I'm hoping to bring somebody in who has great knowledge behind [online promotion]. Bring them in for a presentation. [Local businesses] need to adapt or die. I hate to say that; I certainly wouldn't say it to anyone personally, but they need to get on to e-commerce and online, hopefully sooner rather than later."

Members of the Moose Jaw Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Moose Jaw met early in November to discuss and plan for the upcoming winter months, talking about marketing strategies and how to increase and make the most of their presence on social media.