More than half of Canadians are willing to pay extra to support small grocers

More than half of Canadians are willing to pay extra to support small grocery businesses, according to a recent study by Wagepoint. The survey, which interviewed 1,000 Canadians, revealed that 58% of respondents would choose to pay more for items and services to support local grocery stores with less than 200 employees.

This comes at a time when the country’s largest grocery retailer, Loblaw Companies Ltd., is facing a month-long boycott organized on the online forum Reddit. The study also found that 78% of Canadians wish they could do some or all of their shopping at small businesses, with 40% currently doing so weekly.

However, the survey also highlighted some challenges faced by small grocery businesses. Many Canadians believe that perceived higher prices are holding them back from supporting small businesses, with 13% admitting they can’t afford to spend more at smaller establishments right now.

The study identified some of the most loved and trusted small grocery businesses across the country, including Gateway Meat Market in Dartmouth, N.S., Ferraro’s Foods in Trail, B.C., and Foody Mart in Markham, Ont.

Wagepoint’s chief executive, Shrad Rao, pointed out that a lack of choice and funds are preventing local grocery stores from gaining more popularity. The study sheds light on the importance of supporting small businesses, especially during challenging economic times.