**Toronto**: In February 2025, Canadian businesses such as Province of Canada and Silk & Snow saw significant sales increases due to political uncertainties regarding U.S. tariffs. Despite boosting local shopping, owners are strategising against potential supply chain challenges and seeking to convert new customers into long-term clients.
In February 2025, Canadian businesses experienced a notable surge in sales as a result of political uncertainties surrounding potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. Julie Brown, co-founder of the Toronto-based apparel brand Province of Canada, described this period as both a blessing and a challenge. Notably, the normally quiet month saw Brown’s sales double, prompting her to consider expanding her workforce and increasing product development to cater to the escalating demand from customers inclined to shop local. “This is usually our slowest time of year, coming off the holiday season, when we have a couple of months to regroup,” Brown stated. “This year, I’m not complaining, but we haven’t really had that reprieve.”
This situation reflects a broader trend across the country, where local businesses are reaping the benefits of the buy Canadian movement while simultaneously preparing for potential difficulties ahead. Although U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily halted plans to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports, business owners remain anxious about upcoming duties affecting steel, aluminium, and various other goods. With uncertainty looming, many Canadian businesses are strategising to convert the current wave of local shoppers into long-term customers. This includes exploring alternative suppliers, developing new pricing strategies, and considering significant changes to their supply chains.
Silk & Snow, a Toronto-based mattress and bedding company, has taken proactive measures by pre-stocking its U.S. warehouse with inventory, as approximately 40 per cent of its monthly sales derive from U.S. customers. CEO Albert Chow remarked, “Right now, we’re just ramping up production and increasing our distribution so we’re able to navigate any uncertainty or changes that could play out.” Fortunately for Silk & Snow, the company’s mattresses are manufactured in Canada, with most components sourced domestically, alleviating some concerns about tariffs.
Sales data from Shopify, the e-commerce platform headquartered in Ottawa, indicated a remarkable 213 per cent increase in sales of memory foam mattresses sold by Canadian merchants between January and February. Other goods that saw significant sales spikes include rowboats, detergents, and apparel.
Yak Argiropoulos, senior development business manager for Sap Sucker, a brand of sparkling water made with organic maple syrup from Flesherton, Ontario, noted that customers have shown interest in the Canadian provenance of the company’s products. Argiropoulos stated that not only are the ingredients sourced from Canada, but the aluminium cans are also domestically produced. Despite the positivity surrounding increased inquiries, Sap Sucker finds that no substantial uptick in orders has yet translated from the interest shown.
Similarly, Hamilton’s Comeback Snacks reported a boost in store-level sales. Founder Emily O’Brien observed that retailers are now labeling products as Canadian. However, co-founder Ryan Hall expressed concern over how potential tariffs could impact their supply chain, particularly since their popcorn is produced domestically with mostly Canadian ingredients—though some packaging utilizes U.S. plastics. “I reached out to them and they’ve offered no firm commitments on freezing pricing,” Hall explained, highlighting the tense atmosphere of uncertainty.
Brown, of Province of Canada, emphasised the challenges of potentially sourcing alternative materials. The prospect of replacing U.S. cotton, which is crucial for the production of their clothing, raises concerns about quality and cost. Even so, rather than preemptively make significant supply chain changes due to the possibility of tariffs, Brown is choosing to capitalise on the growing local customer base, having recently introduced a new clothing line that evokes a sense of national pride.
“It’s been a long journey to get here,” she maintained. “So it feels great to be seen by the country right now.” This sentiment encapsulates the current dynamic in Canadian retail, where businesses find themselves navigating the complexities of international trade while simultaneously embracing a burgeoning spirit of local consumerism.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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