The temporary departure of PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador from our Atlantic bubble is going to have an impact.
CEO for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton John Wishart says Moncton has been known as a retail hub, especially during the holiday season, “We’re at the point in the year when retailers really make hay. I mean, these last six weeks leading into Christmas are when a lot of them make the bulk of their cash. This period was even more important this year because of COVID.”
He says people need to shop local now more than ever before, “We really need to put shop local on steroids for the next four weeks. We need to think about where we are spending our money. I know it is easy to order things on Amazon, but it’s also easy to order from a local retailer.”
Being at the orange level twice in the last couple of months, has caused fear for some people, “Say we do go back within the 14 day period, there may still be a bit of a residual effect of people wanting to stay home and shopping online instead of visiting the stores.”
Everyone needs to remember right now that spending money locally stays in the region, and circulates in the region, “It supports everyone as we try to get through this,” Wishart says.
