A new retail event encouraged consumers to support small businesses on Saturday, reminding shoppers that the holiday season is a critical time for many neighbourhood mom-and-pop shops.
Small Business Saturday, wedged between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is the latest sales campaign aimed at holiday shoppers.
But unlike its larger retail counterparts, which tend to shine a spotlight on big box stores, Small Business Saturday suggested consumers support their local stores.
The initiative comes during the holiday shopping season, a make-or-break time of year for many independent businesses.
Christie Pinese, who owns the home decor and gift shop Rose City Goods, said on Instagram that she91裸聊视频檚 been floored by how many people have taken up the shop-small cause, particularly in Toronto, where non-essential stores can only offer curbside pickup and delivery.
91裸聊视频淭his little shop is beyond grateful for the love and support you91裸聊视频檝e showed us this year. Seeing so many people sharing their gift guides and lists warms my heart,91裸聊视频� she wrote. 91裸聊视频淚 love the awareness it brings and I91裸聊视频檝e discovered some great new businesses myself recently because of it!91裸聊视频�
In Edmonton, meanwhile, the team at Shop Harrow wished everyone a happy Small Business Saturday.
91裸聊视频淥ur team at Shop Harrow want to say thank you to everyone for all the support over the last little while,91裸聊视频� an Instagram post read. 91裸聊视频淲e sure have some amazing customers!91裸聊视频�
Laura Jones, executive vice-president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said 2020 has been one of the toughest years ever for many small retailers.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 been a nightmare on Main Street,91裸聊视频� she said in an interview Saturday. 91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 been financially and emotionally very, very difficult for small business.91裸聊视频�
Jones said the shopping event is intended to push consumers towards supporting small businesses by making purchases online, using curbside pick-up or taking advantage of in-person shopping where possible.
91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e asking people to think about their choices and become a conscious consumer,91裸聊视频� she said, adding that the idea is to encourage shoppers to think beyond the big chains and online giants.
91裸聊视频淭he survival of small businesses in your neighbourhood depends on your support.91裸聊视频�
According to the CFIB91裸聊视频檚 latest data, only 38 per cent of retail businesses are reaching their usual sales levels. The organization said one in seven, or about 158,000 businesses across Canada, are at risk of permanent closure.
Jones said small businesses are the 91裸聊视频渂ackbone of the economy.91裸聊视频� Data compiled by the CFIB and campaign sponsor American Express said small businesses employ nine out of 10 Canadians and often support local charities, schools and sports teams.
91裸聊视频淭he bottom line is the consumer has the power to make a difference here,91裸聊视频� she said. 91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e not powerless in this pandemic. The choices we make every day will shape what Canada is going to look like tomorrow.91裸聊视频�
During the pandemic, many small businesses have ramped up their online presence.
The CFIB said more than 150,000 small businesses in Canada have entered the e-commerce market since March. In all, about a third now offer online sales.
Retail analyst Bruce Winder said an event like Small Business Saturday is 91裸聊视频渋ncredibly relevant91裸聊视频� this year.
91裸聊视频淢ost small retailers have been shut down or limited for several months now and they91裸聊视频檙e really struggling,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淭his is a good way to get the message out there that they need our support.91裸聊视频�
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Brett Bundale, The Canadian Press
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