Last-minute holiday shopping gets a boost with tax break and consequences of postal strike

On Sunday afternoon, in the last hour before the St. John's Farmers' Market wrapped up for both the day and the season, the flow of customers between booths was as steady as it had been in the morning.

It was called the "Last Chance" Sunday market, an opportunity for people who still had some shopping to do before Christmas. 

While some people were there because of procrastination, others were there because of strategy — especially as a two-month-long tax holiday has now kicked in. 

"I didn't think this many people would need last-minute gifts, but I guess it makes sense," said vendor Kimberly Clarke, who sells handmade ceramic sculptures for her business Soft Pony.

Clarke attended the market for the first time, and she said it exceeded her expectations.

Another factor: the month-long strike Canada Post, which was resolved last week when employees were ordered back to work. 

Clarke said some people had already purchased gifts and were waiting for them in the mail. 

"It is over now, but it's a little bit too late to get sort of specialty items," she said. "So, I think this is a last-ditch effort to get something really special."

The federal tax break — which the Newfoundland and Labrador government matched, meaning no HST is being charged on selected items — certainly had an effect, too, said Matthew LeDrew, a vendor who publishes local titles for Engen Books.

"That week when that was announced, there weren't a lot of sales, but then … after it went into effect — oh my Lord, lots of sales," LeDrew said.

"I think people were being very strategic. If you can save five to 15 per cent on your Christmas shopping, you're going to do it."

For some shoppers, it has just been a matter of finding the time. 

Julie Hollett, a farmer with Black Label Farm in Kilbride who sells alpaca products such as yarn and ornaments, said the day was so busy with customers, she hardly left her table. Still, she found a few moments to get some shopping of her own done.

"I'm a busy farmer and mom, juggling a few different jobs. I'm so busy," she said.

"I've grabbed some really nice gifts here today just running past the tables. So I'm pretty happy."

Hollett said they are busiest during the holidays, but the postal strike did influence shoppers' decision-making — especially because they have turned more to local sellers.

By 3 p.m., when the market was over, only a few people remained at the Freshwater Road complex. 

Clarke said that regardless of whether it was because of tax breaks, the postal strike, or procrastination, a lot of people showed up and supported local businesses.

"I'm happy that I was a part of it," she said.

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