Retail sales picking up in Ottawa despite inflation, cost of living

Despite concerns of inflation and the rising cost of living, Ottawa businesses are still benefiting from an uptick in sales this holiday season.

Michelle Groulx, the executive director of the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA), said on Wake Up with Rob Snow that local businesses are pleased to see the current economic environment isn't weighing too heavily on consumers as they look for holiday gifts.

“It's something that the businesses have been anticipating all year,” said Groulx. “Because they themselves are going through inflation and some staffing issues, businesses really appreciate knowing that people are stretching their dollars.”

While sales are rising compared to the rest of the year, staffing shortages remain an issue. Businesses are feeling the shortage even more at this time of year as stores and restaurants get busier.

“When you're looking at the food services industry, where you have to make sure there are enough people on staff to service those extra parties, it gets very difficult,” Groulx said.

After a roller-coaster year of pandemic restrictions and convoy disturbances, with a new mayor and city council, businesses are looking for more stability in Ottawa's economy for 2023.

Groulx hopes to see a reduction in red tape, making it easier to navigate the city's bureaucracy. 

“We'd love to see a kind of business concierge, where it's very easy for businesses to set up in the City of Ottawa, and be able to answer their questions very quickly,” Groulx said.

As part of his election platform, newly-elected Mayor Mark Sutcliffe promised a “single window of service for businesses looking to navigate permits and other paperwork at City Hall.” Sutcliffe has yet to announce any major changes in how the City of Ottawa deals with businesses.

Listen to the full interview with Michelle Groulx on Wake Up with Rob Snow below.