Shop local sentiment is high, but supply issues still plague small businesses
Capitalizing on that interest has been difficult because of inflation, shipping delays, COVID-19 outbreaks and flooding in B.C.
Small business owners say Canadians continue to support independent and local businesses this year, but meeting customer needs has become more tricky.
The owners say the message from last year’s marketing campaigns around how small businesses are struggling during the pandemic has stuck, and is translating to sales once more.
However, capitalizing on that interest has been difficult because of inflation, shipping delays, COVID-19 outbreaks and flooding in B.C.
Joanna Mileos at the Granville Island Toy Company says she has seen an increase in shoppers during the pandemic, but simultaneously faced major shipping delays.
A 20-foot shipping container of toys Mileos ordered from Asia in May didn’t arrive until September and getting hot products like Lego was tough because of supply chain challenges.
Kimberley Dares of the Trainyard General Store in Dartmouth, N.S. says her store has also been waiting on shipments for weeks, and suppliers have told her they’re backlogged due to a lack of materials.
