N.S. small businesses see holiday sales decrease due to Canada Post strike

The ongoing Canada Post strike is causing headaches for small businesses in Nova Scotia, particularly during the crucial holiday season. With unionized workers on the picket lines for the second week, businesses like Dianne Dancewear in Windsor are feeling the impact.

Chelsea Thornton, the owner of Dianne Dancewear, typically sees a significant portion of her yearly sales during the holiday season. However, the strike has forced her to pause sales on her Etsy shop. Previously, Thornton paid around $8 per package for deliveries to the U.S., where most of her clients are located. Now, with alternative shipping options costing around $25 per package, she is facing a dilemma. The increased shipping costs are too high for her clients to bear, making it challenging for her to fulfill orders.

Similarly, artist and business owner Sarah Duggan in Dartmouth has had to halt international and out-of-province sales due to the strike. She is now focusing on local clients, personally delivering orders around the Halifax region. The added stress of communicating with clients for deliveries and coordinating logistics has made it more challenging for Duggan to maintain her business.

Despite the struggles faced by small business owners, both Thornton and Duggan express support for the postal workers. They understand the workers’ concerns and acknowledge their importance in the local community. Thornton emphasizes the role postal workers play in the community, stating that they are familiar faces in the small town of Windsor.

As the strike continues, small businesses like Dianne Dancewear and Sarah Duggan Art are adapting to the challenges by finding alternative ways to serve their customers. While the strike may be impacting their sales and operations, these businesses remain hopeful for a resolution that benefits both the workers and Canada Post.