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Another blow to the heart for small business owners in Toronto and the Peel region on Friday.
Doug Ford’s government announced it moving the two regions together and under the ‘Gray area‘in relation to the province’s color-coded COVID-19 framework.
The new restrictions that take effect on Monday include the closure of all businesses except essential services such as grocery stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and hardware stores.
It goes without saying that the second block is a major blow to all non-essential retailers in the regions.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business director Ryan Mallough says the new restrictions put small businesses in Toronto and Peel at an insurmountable disadvantage.
“This is just an absolute punch in the stomach for small businesses in Ontario.”
Mallough says a return to the restrictions we originally saw in March gives large box retailers an even greater advantage over their smaller competitors. It allows box stores, which remain open because they sell essential items, to continue selling all non-essential goods that some consumers may normally buy from smaller stores.
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Most small retailers are allowed to remain open for curbside pickup, but this still has a significant impact on their business.
Mallough says it’s more important than ever to outsource your business to the local retailer. Surveys show that people want to buy premises, but they don’t always put their money where it is.
“We know people want it, but this year we have to support it,” says Mallough. “Your small business needs you. The fact that you can go to a Costco or Walmart and buy a TV that you can’t buy at the small retailer down the street is deeply unfair. “
To make matters worse, the new restrictions come just in time for the holiday season.
“Every holiday season is realistically decisive,” says Mallough. “I know it sounds cliché, but it has never been truer this year.”
The new restrictions in Toronto and Peel are in effect for at least 28 days, until December 21st.
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