Results: Saving Our Local Businesses

It's a familiar scenario all over the world -- along with the second wave, comes the second shuttering of businesses. The big chains are still allowed to open in most cases, deemed as "essential", although some of them sell definitely "non-essential" items, like clothing and toys. It's the local, small businesses -- the clothing stores, the gift shops and restaurants -- which are feeling the effects of this second closing. Not only will many struggle to survive a second shut-down, it comes at what would be their busiest time of the year. In one neighbourhood in Toronto, dozens of local businesses in Roncesvalles were plastered with "For Lease" signs this week — as part of a campaign aimed at reminding the public of the importance of shopping locally. The impactful campaign launched Tuesday, one day after the second shuttering of shops, also shows the dire reality of what a local neighbourhood could look like without small businesses. Are you trying to support local businesses especially during the pandemic?

In Toronto, "Box of 6ix" and "Bag of Toronto" are two creative initiatives aimed at helping small businesses survive a tough COVID Christmas. Which of these ideas do you feel you would support (I know this is Toronto specific, but think of it as if it was in your area)?

Of course, with businesses being temporarily shuttered, the challenge is supporting them when they are not operating. Some stores do have online sales and curbside pickup, but this is not possible for some smaller places. Here are a few suggestions on how you can make sure that your favourite local place is still around for you to enjoy. Which of these do you either now do, or will do in the future?

A survey of more than 4,200 businesses by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) in October found that uncertainty around the second wave was the top concern of business owners, followed by economic repercussions and worries that consumer spending could drop. Fourteen per cent of respondents said they were actively considering bankruptcy or shutting down. And this was before the second wave forced closures for a second time. Has a favourite local business or restaurant of yours fallen victim to the "Covid closures"?