2020 has been a tumultuous year, to say the least. You're tired, I'm tired, we're all tired. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on all of us; both physically and mentally. However, some of the most affected people throughout the course of this year are small business owners and operators. Here in Canada, small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the Mom and Pop's are really struggling nationwide. People aren't going into stores at the rate that they used to; either they don't feel comfortable because of the nature of the pandemic (which is understandable), or because they literally cannot. 

This holiday season is unlike any other; doors are being closed, stores are being shuttered. The joy of going to shopping malls and independent retailers to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones seems to have all but disappeared. Online retail has taken the world of commerce by storm, however, this year, in most places it's the only way people can get their holiday shopping in.

Many retailers have had to adapt by taking to e-commerce in an attempt to salvage their businesses. From personal experience, it is no easy task. Countless hours are put into making an online store front. It's hard, but we do it anyway, because we're passionate about providing people our services.

It's easy to go on one of those big box e-commerce websites, and wipe out your entire holiday shopping list in one session. I get it; it's safe, it's convenient, and I don't blame you. However, small businesses are suffering. They are fighting tooth and nail to stay afloat, and the deck is stacked against them. It's going to be an uphill battle to get back on the road to normalcy (or at least some semblance of it, anyway). It's going to take all of us. We have to stick together. Please keep that in mind when you're doing your holiday shopping this season.

Thank you for sticking with me thus far, and thank you for your continuous and unwavering support of us here at 7 Downie St.®. Also, thank you for supporting all the small businesses across Canada that we are so proud to supply to.

Stay safe, shop local, and please support small business.

Happy Holidays.

MM.