Shift in spending habits could help small businesses during COVID-19

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Small businesses still struggling because of the pandemic hope to see a shift in spending habits over the next few months.

One healthy food company says big box stores are still scooping up a lot of business as people prefer “one-stop shopping” during the pandemic. The business development manager of the company tells NEWS 1130 he feels not enough is being said about mom and pop shops losing out.

Laura Jones at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business says there’s no question smaller operations are still suffering.

“Right now, about one in seven is risk permanent closure. That’s on top of what we’ve already seen as closures, so that doesn’t include the ones that are already closed, and we’d like to prevent as much as that as possible.”

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While shopping habits are still impacted by COVID-19, there’s hope things will get more back to normal this fall.

“Fall kicks in and people get back to some of their old routines and habits, so that might give spending a bit of a quick start,” Jones says.

Jones says while it may be easier to go online and shop on Amazon, small retailers need your help.

“Individuals can make a big difference. And your choice to look for local businesses online if you’re shopping online, or to go out and support a local business, right now, is a really important one because if we don’t support these businesses today, they won’t be here tomorrow.”

A recent survey from the CFIB finds about two-thirds of small firms across the country have reopened. Less than one-third are making normal sales.