Whitehorse retailers feel holiday pinch, blame online shopping

Whitehorse retailers say sales are down this holiday season.The culprit? They believe it's the internet.

According to a Google Canada report, Canadians are shopping online more than ever.And with door to door delivery, 24-hour service, and a vast selection of goods, it can behard for local shops to compete.

"Honestly, traffic is slow," said Mike Pemberton, treasurer of the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce. "It's down. I've checked out parking lots, even our big box stores...seem a bit weak this year."

Andrea Rodger, who owns Sportees Active Wear downtown, said walk-in sales have been flat this year. And while the store also sells online, thathasn't made up for the drop in foot traffic.

"We've sold a few things on the website, but not like it was in previous years," she said. "Before there was online shopping, we had a brisker business."

Pemberton says communities are less vibrant when their downtown retailers struggle.

"Before you click that button, think about what that dollar does to our community [when it's] spent here rather than sending that dollar outside for Christmas."

The Google Canada report also says last minute shopping marathons have become less frequent as online shopping makes finding a gifteasier.

But with the big savings typically reserved for after Christmas, Whitehorse businesses are still hoping for a busy Boxing Day.