As more restrictions emerge in response to an uptick of COVID-19 cases in Canada, an overwhelming majority of small businesses continue to struggle to reach normal sales levels despite the upcoming holidays. According to data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), only 28% of the surveyed report they’re making normal sales, and less than half (42%) say they’re fully staffed.
A mere 9% of arts and recreation businesses, such as venues and gyms, and 11% of hospitality businesses like hotels and restaurants report normal sale levels, according to data from CFIB’s #SmallBusinessEveryDay Dashboard. With these worrisome facts in mind, CFIB urges consumers to shop locally, and to do so online if possible.
“Many businesses rely on the next several weeks to earn a significant proportion of their revenues. This year, that will be especially critical, as small businesses have suffered extensive losses,” says the Senior Vice-President of National Affairs at CFIB, Corinne Pohlmann. “Shopping small is its own reward: you get the satisfaction of supporting the local economy, keeping good jobs in the community and finding great services and products.”
To further drive support for the businesses that need it most, CFIB launched a Big Thank You contest. It allows consumers to send their favorite businesses a ‘thank you’ message, and enters both consumer and business into a weekly draw for potential prizes. “I would encourage all Canadians to nominate their favorite small business and in doing so, we will reward one small business supporter every week until November 29th,” Pohlmann said.
Read about how FedEx is supporting small businesses during COVID-19
