Lethbridge businesses counting on a strong holiday shopping season

A sign sits in the window of a Lethbridge business encouraging local shopping. (CTV News)

LETHBRIDGE, ALTA. — Local businesses have been seeing plenty more foot traffic over recent weeks, as shoppers head to downtown Lethbridge to pick up holiday gifts.

The Christmas shopping season is an important time of year for any sized business, but for local small businesses, it's crucial to have a strong season.

“It was a slow start to the shopping season. Normally, ours starts in September, and it seems everyone was kind of waiting until the snow hit a couple of weeks ago, and now it's been going crazy,” said Becca Stirling, co-owner of the Purple Hippo Boutique.

A small business can make most of their money in a year just from Christmas shopping.

“It's vital. There's only a couple of months a year that we actually make money in, and December is one of them. So, this is go time for retailers,” said Hunter Heggie, owner of King of Trade.

While the downtown is busy with shoppers, it’s expected to be another down year for holiday shopping.

The increased cost of living and a low Canadian dollar mean many products will be more expensive this Christmas.

“In general, I think across the country, we've seen surveys that indicate people are pulling back a little bit this year,” said Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge.

“Certainly the cost of things going up that are imported with the U.S. versus Canadian dollar, I think, will impact people. There's a bit more uncertainty this season as we look at some of the potential impacts of the Trump administration next year.”

Despite less disposable income, the local economy may see a boost following the holiday season. Local businesses tend to invest more in the communities they operate in compared to big box or online retailers.

“For every dollar spent in the local economy, it has a multiplier effect of about seven,” Lewington said.

“So, when you shop at a local mom-and-pop or a locally owned franchise, that has a very significant impact on the local economy.”