Marketing Report November 2024

The South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce has built a strong and connected community that focuses on supporting local businesses and fostering growth. By partnering with us, your brand can leverage the credibility, reach, and engagement that our Chamber has cultivated over years of connecting businesses within the region.

We aren’t just promoting your brand; we’re integrating it into a community-driven network where relationships and trust are key. Our marketing efforts are designed to elevate your visibility by showcasing your brand across multiple channels that we’ve carefully developed and nurtured. This includes access to our broad audience through events, newsletters, social media, and other initiatives that amplify your message.

By aligning with The South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce, you’re not just participating in a marketing effort—you’re joining a movement that supports local businesses and strengthens community ties. Together, we can elevate your brand while also leveraging the collective strength of our business community to ensure your success

The South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce

We are the heartbeat of the business community in South Surrey & White Rock. With a diverse membership of over 500 businesses, we foster growth and success by connecting, advocating, and creating opportunities. We are a welcoming and inclusive hub that enhances the economic and social well-being of the entire region.

Our Four Focus Areas

Community Building

We nurture a thriving local business environment by supporting businesses of all sizes, promoting inclusive growth, and hosting community events that bring everyone together.

Marketing & Visibility

We leverage our multi-channel marketing strategies—social media, newsletters, website, and print—to tell your story in a way that resonates with the community, ensuring maximum engagement and reach.

Networking & Collaboration

Through 50+ annual events, we create spaces for new business connections, deepen relationships, and open doors for collaboration, giving sponsors access to key business leaders and community influencers.

Advocacy & Policy Influence

We represent the collective voice of our members at all levels of government, advocating for policies that foster a business-friendly environment and drive local economic growth.

 More Than Just a Network.

Leveraging Our Marketing Channels & Partnerships

Digital Platforms:

• Social Media: Connect with our active followers on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
• Email Newsletters: Feature your brand  to over 2,500 engaged subscribers.

Event Marketing:

• Sponsor visibility at high-profile community events like the Community Expo, Annual Business Excellence Awards, and our Chamber Golf Tournament.

Strategic Partnerships: Amplify Your Brand with Us

• Through our extensive community influence and trusted channels—including social media, email newsletters, events, and publications—we position your brand at the heart of local conversations.
• By partnering with the Chamber, you gain direct access to our engaged audience and the credibility that comes from being aligned with a respected voice in the community.
• Together, we’ll tell your story, drive impact, and build meaningful connections that elevate your business.

Sponsorship Benefits

• Enhanced Brand Visibility
• Your brand is featured across key Chamber marketing channels and media partnerships, ensuring top-of-mind awareness.
• Credibility & Trust
• Align with a respected organization known for community advocacy and economic impact.
• Direct Community Impact
• Support initiatives that directly contribute to building a vibrant local economy and engaged community.

Local Targeted Marketing: Engage Your Local Audience

Tailored Advertising: Direct marketing efforts towards  Surrey, White Rock, and nearby communities through targeted digital ads, localized social media content, and community-specific promotional initiatives.

Community-Centric Content: Create content that resonates with the local audience, addressing their specific needs, interests, and concerns.

Geographically Focused Campaigns: Utilize geo-targeting strategies to reach audiences in Surrey, White Rock, and surrounding areas, ensuring relevance and maximizing engagement.

Local Partnerships and Collaborations: Forge partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and influencers to amplify your message and enhance your brand's presence within the community.

Community Events and Sponsorships: Local events and sponsorships, demonstrating your commitment to the community and fostering meaningful connections with local consumers and businesses.

Timely and Relevant Posts: Stay updated with current trends, news, and events to create timely and relevant content that resonates with your audience.

Community Engagement: Foster a sense of community by responding to comments, messages, and mentions promptly, and actively participating in discussions.

User-Generated Content: Encourage your audience to create and share content related to your brand, products, or services to build trust and credibility.

Current Purchasing Power Dynamics

High-Income Households:

Strong disposable income among both mature families and professionals.

• This group drives local spending in:

  • Health

  • Lifestyle

  • Professional Services​

Opportunity:

Brands with a strong community presence and social values will resonate more with this audience.

Shifts in Consumer Behavior:

• A growing preference for quality and ethical sourcing over traditional “price-first” purchases.

• primary factors in purchasing decisions:

  • Social responsibility

  • Local business support

Impact:

Businesses in these sectors should prioritize:

• Premium services

• Strategic marketing to connect with these consumers.

Current Market Trends & Economic Outlook for South Surrey & White Rock

Healthcare & Wellness:

• An aging population in South Surrey & White Rock
• Driving higher demand for health services, wellness programs, and long-term care facilities.

Professional Services:

• Increased focus on digital transformation and marketing strategies as businesses shift to engage a more online-savvy audience.
• High demand for consulting, digital marketing, legal, and financial services due to the professional demographic in the region.

Opportunity: Professional service firms can leverage this trend by offering tailored solutions to help local businesses optimize their operations and growth strategies.

Real Estate Market:

• Real estate is shifting to a balanced or buyer's market, with inventory levels at a 10-year high​
• Demand for new home investments has slowed, but high-income households are still spending on property upgrades and renovations​

Impact: Real estate and construction-related businesses can target affluent households.

Opportunity: Companies in the health and wellness sectors can position themselves as premium service providers for retirees and older professionals.

Retail & Consumer Goods:

• Higher disposable income levels mean residents are willing to spend on lifestyle goods, home improvements, and technology.
• However, consumers are becoming more value-conscious, preferring products and services that deliver long-term value.

Impact: Retailers can focus on quality, service, and community engagement to capture this market.

Shopping and Spending Patterns: South Surrey & White Rock

Banking & Financial Services

High-Income Households: Due to the region's affluent demographic, there is strong demand for wealth management, investment services, and digital banking solutions. Residents prefer institutions that offer comprehensive services tailored to retirement planning, home equity management, and sustainable investment options.

Opportunity: Financial institutions can benefit by positioning themselves as trusted partners for long-term financial planning and digital innovation.

Grocery & Retail Stores

Local Spending Patterns: Residents prioritize convenience and premium quality in their grocery purchases. With a strong preference for local and organic products, grocery retailers that offer a variety of fresh and health-focused options see higher engagement.

Support for Local Businesses: Approximately 35% of residents actively choose to shop locally whenever possible, indicating a strong community focus on supporting smaller businesses.

Apparel & Fashion Retail

High Fashion Spending: Residents spend $78 million on apparel monthly, which is 53% higher than the provincial average. There is a distinct preference for branded and high-quality products, with many residents seeking expanded options for luxury and mid-range fashion brands.

Opportunity: Popular brands like Aritzia, Lululemon, and Simons are in high demand, as well as children’s clothing stores and lifestyle brands that match the community’s focus on style and quality.

Furniture & Décor

Spending Above Average: Surrey residents spend nearly 93% more than the BC average on home furnishings and décor—approximately $503 per household each month. This trend is influenced by the high rate of new home purchases and renovations in affluent neighbourhoods like South Surrey

Opportunity: Retailers specializing in high-end furniture and interior design should target these neighborhoods, especially focusing on South Surrey and White Rock's affluent communities, which are actively upgrading and refurnishing their homes.

Health & Wellness

Spending on Health Services: Residents allocate a substantial portion of their disposable income to holistic wellness programs, fitness memberships, and healthcare subscriptions, resulting in higher-than-average spending on health services compared to other regions in BC.

Opportunity: Wellness centers, gyms, and health service providers can target this demographic by offering personalized health plans, wellness coaching, and mental health support. Additionally, integrating digital health solutions like telehealth consultations and virtual fitness classes will cater to the tech-savvy segment of the population.

Restaurants & Dining

Above-Average Dining Out: Residents of Surrey and South Surrey spend 70% more than the average BC household on dining out, translating to $452 per household per month​

Opportunity: There is a growing demand for a diverse array of dining options, including more fine dining, ethnic cuisines, and plant-based menu offerings. South Surrey is seeking more upscale restaurants, while areas like Newton are exploring ethnic and fast-casual dining options.

Projected Trends & Spending Patterns Next 18 Months

Health & Wellness

Expect increased investment in:

• • Health services
  • Fitness
  • Mental wellness programs due to heightened health awareness.

Ideal For Brand Growth:

• • Healthcare providers
  • Wellness centres
  • Fitness

Technology & Digital Services:

Allocating more budget to:

• • Digital tools
  • Marketing automation
  • Online presence management

Ideal For:

• • Tech firms
  • Digital marketing agencies
  • Software providers

Community Engagement & Local Initiatives:

Rising interest in supporting:

• • Community initiatives
  • Local businesses

Ideal For:

Organizations that prioritize:

• • Community outreach and social impact,
  • Aligning with the values of high-income families and retirees.

Key Takeaways

Across all industry markets, companies should position themselves as trusted partners focused on community, quality, and value.

Reflect a commitment to sustainability, local support, and long-term partnership.

Real Solutions. Measurable Results. See Our Case Studies

South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce is your Local Marketing Support Team!

Temma Chow

Manager of Operations

marketing@sswrchamber.ca

604-536-6844