Christmas shopping is well underway and a partner with Killarney Place Mall hopes people give local merchants a chance for their business.

Rick Pauls is one of the three owners of the mall and he’s pleased to say their stores are all filled with retailers. “The Santa Parade went great and moving forward we are hoping that it is going to be a great holiday season. This weekend are are running a promotion running on December 8 And 9 with stores offering great deals.”

He adds Christmas is getting more challenging in the retail sector simply because online shopping is now a big factor.

“We hope local shoppers support local merchants in whatever community they live in because online businesses like Amazon and eBay don’t support things like local hockey tournaments or other community events and they certainly don’t employ local people” said Pauls.

As for Killarney Place Pauls is thrilled since they took over six years ago they’ve spruced up the mall and managed to fill all the retail space.