Day 2 of Toronto/Peel lockdowns:

1. Joe Fresh - still open, independent clothing boutique - closed.
2. Flowers at Walmart - no problem, independent florist - closed.
3. Books at Costco - come on in, independent bookseller - closed.

On what planet is this fair @fordnation?

The reason many customers go to small business is to see an item up close, browse for something they didn't know existed or rely on the staff for advice. This often requires in-store sales. If people want basic commodities at a super low price, they go to Amazon or Walmart.

One of the reasons small biz owners are so angry is that the Premier clearly listened to the concerns of big box CEOs about supply chain issues if limited to grocery/pharmacy. But no consideration was given to small business concerns. Small firms have supply chains too.

As CFIB member Steve Long, President of music instrument retailer @LongMcQuade told me, a lockdown means he has to ramp up online, teach 35,000 lessons online, figure out how to do repairs without instore, curbside in downtown TO & a million other details.

Premier @fordnation has acknowledged this is unfair to independent businesses. But this needs to be followed up with action. There is a safe way to allow for limited instore sales for small business. Let's save Christmas.