consumer behavior

Canadian Businesses Boom Amidst US Tariff Threats and Boycotts

Increased patriotism and a desire to support local businesses, fueled by recent political events and a growing awareness of product origins, have led to a surge in sales for several Canadian companies. Ottawa Valley Meats, Blondie Apparel, and Glorified By Society all reported significant sales increases—30%, 35%, and 20%, respectively—since the beginning of the year. This “Made in Canada” movement reflects a shift in consumer behavior, with customers actively seeking out and proudly purchasing Canadian-made goods. The success of these businesses highlights the potential economic impact of supporting domestic producers.

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Trump’s Return Fuels Inflation Fears: Consumers Stock Up for Costly Years

Consumers are finally grappling with the potential for significantly worsened inflation under a Trump administration. The realization is dawning that his economic policies, far from alleviating rising prices, could exacerbate the problem, leading many to preemptively stockpile goods in anticipation of a financially challenging period.

This isn’t a sudden epiphany for everyone, of course. Some segments of the population, perhaps those who consistently voted for Trump, might remain unconvinced. However, a growing awareness is spreading, fueled by news reports and analyses highlighting the potential negative impacts of Trump’s proposed policies.

The concern isn’t unfounded. Trump’s past pronouncements and proposed policies, such as tariffs, threaten to increase the cost of everyday goods, affecting everything from food and clothing to automobiles and appliances.… Continue reading

Port strike sparks toilet paper ‘panic buying’ as store shelves left empty

When news broke about a port strike causing toilet paper ‘panic buying’ and leaving store shelves empty, my initial reaction was disbelief. I mean, are we really importing toilet paper? I always assumed it was mostly made domestically. Seeing videos of empty shelves and people hoarding toilet paper during this crisis reminded me of the chaos we witnessed during the early days of the pandemic.

It’s rather telling of the average American mindset that in times of crisis, the first thing on people’s minds is their own personal comfort, specifically their own behinds. But why toilet paper? Out of all the things one could panic buy, why has there been a shift from essentials like food, water, and fuel to toilet paper?… Continue reading