Foot traffic steady in most Vancouver stores on Boxing Day, amid COVID-19
Despite temperatures dropping below the freezing mark in Vancouver on Sunday, and the Omicron variant spreading rapidly, in-store traffic appeared to be steady on Boxing Day.
Bargain hunters hit Robson Street downtown bright and early, hoping to find a deal they could boast about.
“I got my sweater for $7 at H&M,” one shopper told CTV News.
Smaller retailers on South Granville also had customers coming in early. Public health restrictions have stores like The Latest Scoop capped at 50 per cent capacity, forcing staff and customers to pivot once again.
“In this store, we can only have 12 people in at a time. It’s challenging, but our customers are amazing and don’t mind waiting,” said Roisin Gornall, retail education manager at The Latest Scoop.
“We try to move things as quickly as possible just to get everyone in the store.”
The Latest Scoop is a locally-owned business with five locations across Vancouver. All of the store’s apparel is between 30 and 50 per cent off on Boxing Day.
There were no lineups at Turnabout on Main Street, however foot traffic was steady at the popular consignment shop throughout the day.
“We’re definitely seeing more people wanting to find those really good deals, without going to a big box store,” said Kirstyn Hardy, store manager at Turnabout.
Supporting local businesses right now has never been more crucial, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
“Not even 40 per cent of B.C.’s small businesses are back to making normal sales right now, and 32 per cent are losing money every day they are open,” said Annie Dormuth, with the CFIB.
With new health restrictions and concerns over omicron, the Retail Council of Canada expects more people will continue to shop online this year.
Last year, retail e-commerce sales were up by more than 70 per cent, and according to Statistics Canada, 2021 is on track to beat that.
Whether you’re shopping online or in person, local retailers want you to know that most Boxing Day sales last all week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behaviour on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump's company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.