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 sheB次元官网网址檚 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.
B次元官网网址淭his little shop is beyond grateful for the love and support youB次元官网网址檝e showed us this year. Seeing so many people sharing their gift guides and lists warms my heart,B次元官网网址� she wrote. B次元官网网址淚 love the awareness it brings and IB次元官网网址檝e discovered some great new businesses myself recently because of it!B次元官网网址�
In Edmonton, meanwhile, the team at Shop Harrow wished everyone a happy Small Business Saturday.
B次元官网网址淥ur team at Shop Harrow want to say thank you to everyone for all the support over the last little while,B次元官网网址� an Instagram post read. B次元官网网址淲e sure have some amazing customers!B次元官网网址�
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.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been a nightmare on Main Street,B次元官网网址� she said in an interview Saturday. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been financially and emotionally very, very difficult for small business.B次元官网网址�
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.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e asking people to think about their choices and become a conscious consumer,B次元官网网址� she said, adding that the idea is to encourage shoppers to think beyond the big chains and online giants.
B次元官网网址淭he survival of small businesses in your neighbourhood depends on your support.B次元官网网址�
According to the CFIBB次元官网网址檚 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 B次元官网网址渂ackbone of the economy.B次元官网网址� 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.
B次元官网网址淭he bottom line is the consumer has the power to make a difference here,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e not powerless in this pandemic. The choices we make every day will shape what Canada is going to look like tomorrow.B次元官网网址�
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 B次元官网网址渋ncredibly relevantB次元官网网址� this year.
B次元官网网址淢ost small retailers have been shut down or limited for several months now and theyB次元官网网址檙e really struggling,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭his is a good way to get the message out there that they need our support.B次元官网网址�
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Brett Bundale, The Canadian Press
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