Owner of 1000 Islands Duty Free Store happy to see more customers as travel restrictions ease
Now that fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter Canada, traffic at the 1000 Islands Duty Free Store is steadily moving once again.
“Thursday and Friday were above average from what we’ve seen in the last six months,” says owner Jeff Butler.
It’s a relief, he says, as the past two years have been tough for a business that relies solely on people travelling internationally.
“We were down 16 months between 90 and 95 per cent,” Butler says of sales. “Since then, December was our best month (because) we were only down 50 per cent.”
Butler hopes that easing restrictions and more travellers will bring in much needed business to his store by the border.
“Having the rules set out straight lets Canadians and Americans plan their summer travel,” he explains. “And summer is our busiest season here. We’re hopeful that we’ll get back to a closer to normal.”
Still, he says he doesn’t expect shoppers to return in full force right away.
Butler says some may still be uncomfortable, especially using the ArriveCAN app, which the government requires you to fill out before you arrive in the country.
For some, like Tom and Pam Clement, not having to show that test is the reason they’re once again hitting the road.
“I was tickled to see it’s finally open after two months,” says Tom Clement. “It was too much money for the test; it was quite a bit to come over here. And there was a time factor too.”
The American couple have a cottage at the border and say they’ve missed their once frequent trips to dine and shop on the Canadian side.
“It’s kind of like Independence Day,” says Pam Clement.
Canadian Kelly Johnson says she feels like traffic will pick up soon enough.
“Makes it much easier to do these things,” she says. “Before, it’s a lot more planning. I like flying by the seat of my pants.”
Butler says, no matter how long it takes, he’s happy to see shoppers return.
“It’s fantastic,” he says. “It’s great.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A man was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.