Canada Post strike brought customers into the store, but how long will that last?

Edmontonians respond to end of postal strike David Ewasuk finds out how local businesses are responding to the news that the Canada Post work stoppage is ending.

The month-long Canada Post strike is set to end Tuesday after intervention from the federal government, but the effects of the strike haven't been all negative for local businesses.

The strike began in mid-November and had far reaching consequences: bills couldn't be mailed out, passports had to be picked up in person, and rural communities felt isolated.

Businesses were affected, since they had to either postpone deliveries or go with costlier options like UPS or FedEx.

"It honestly has halted so much of our business. Right now we have almost 500 packages just stuck in depots, mailboxes, customers homes across the country," said Jenna Hill of Frock Box in St. Albert.

The loss of the ease of online shopping did prompt some to visit local businesses in person though.

"I've been in the mall for 37 years … and I've got lots of regular customers that come every year. Usually we don't pick up until the last three or four days before Christmas," said Jack Jensen, the owner of West Edmonton Coin and Stamp.

"For example, this weekend was crazy in here, and I think people were concerned, because they said they generally get their coins from the Royal Canadian Mint, and they ship them to them."

He's guessing in-store business is up around 10 to 15 per cent since the strike started, with around 20 per cent more foot traffic in the store but isn't sure how long the increase will last.

"I've always really believed in brick and mortar (store locations) because I'm old, so I've always looked at it that way," Jensen said.

"I know lots of people order online, and I think that's a great thing, but I'm still a meet and greet and hang on and offer a service (person)."

Last week, the Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered Canada Post workers back to work starting Tuesday.

Many deliveries are expected to not arrive in time for the holidays given the backlog.

Canada Post expects delays to last into January and post office hours of operations may vary.

Bargaining is set to resume in the spring.

With files from CTV News Edmonton's David Ewasuk and The Canadian Press