Last-minute shoppers filled stores and streets in downtown Victoria hours before Christmas Eve — a welcome boost for businesses during the pandemic.
COVID-19 restrictions did pose some challenges, there were long lines due to precautions like building limits. At the B.C. Liquor Store in Oak Bay, the line wrapped around the building as many waited to get some holiday bubbly or wine.
“It’s just the classic part of Christmas, last-minute shopping. If you’re not last-minute shopping you are not doing it right,” said one shopper.
“I’ve been busy doing other things and our friends are at the age where there is no way I can buy them a book that will fit the bill. So you’re down to gift cards and you let them make the selection,” said another.
Some local shops say the holidays have been great for business.
“We were very busy early in December which was very helpful,” said Jessica Walker, managing partner of Munro’s Books.
“Anyone who knows Munro’s at Christmas time knows there are usually 150 people packed in there on a Saturday. So yea [the precautions] makes it a little different but once you get inside it’s actually very nice.”
Just a few blocks away, Robinson’s Outdoor Store agrees that even though things are different, locals have been stepping up a lot.
“Last year we would open the doors and people would pour in,” said Gayle Robinson, third-generation owner of the store.
“This year we open the door, they are in line. We let the first 15 people in. It’s gone really well. Huge support for local businesses.”
Both businesses, however, say they are the lucky ones. Some are hurting over the holidays thanks to COVID-19.
“Restaurants because of limited capacity have been impacted,” said Jeff Bray, Executive Director for the Downtown Victoria Business Association.
“Obliviously hospitality in terms of hotels have been severely impacted. We are also seeing any of the businesses that rely on international tourism have had a devastating year. And it’s not likely that it will not be that great for them.”
He stresses they’ll need local and provincial support to help make it to when things get back to normal.
Julian Kolsut
