The Ladysmith Light Up celebration is a town tradition. Around 30,000 people attend each year to herald in the Christmas season.
To limit the spread of COVID-19, organizers are pulling the plug on the big light up night. The lights will still go on for Christmas 2020 as part of the Ladysmith Festival of Lights, but without the large crowds.
“We kind of knew it was the reality we would have to face but of course it’s disappointing,” said Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone.
It’s another hit to a town full of small businesses already reeling from COVID-19. With many consumers going online, fewer shoppers are coming in their doors and according to several small businesses, they are scrambling to get stock on shelves due to shortages sparked by the pandemic’s impact on the supply chain.
“It’s all over the place right now,” said Manager of Uforik Computers Kenn Kristofferson.
Many of Uforik Computers racks were bare Wednesday. Shelves where computers should be displayed were empty, and Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone who owns the shop, says he doesn’t know when that will change.
“With the limited supply that’s available, the large companies that have the buying power scoop up that available inventory,” said Stone.
“And very little of it trickles through to the smaller retailers.”
Down a few doors at For Pet’s Sake, staff said some canned pet food is depleting due to a COVID-19 shortage of aluminium.
“There are only so many cans to go around,” said For Pet Sake employee Tracey Kempf.
At Ladysmith Home Hardware, it’s a shortage of home improvement supplies.
It’s absolutely crazy,” said Home Hardware employee Michael Trawick.
“Brushes, rollers, paint supplies,” he said, talking about the shortages.
Businesses are worried the situation will only worsen if COVID-19 positive cases increase.
“We just have to try and keep going,” said Kristofferson.
However owner of Ladysmith Top Drawer Boutique, Roxane Plourde, was hopeful that shoppers will keep trying and return to this downtown.
“I know for a fact that many will come in just to buy something from me to help me out,” said Plourde.
“And I used to call it a pity buy and they say no that’s not it Roxane. They just come they’re trying to support.”
Skye Ryan
