Almost a week into the GST holiday, retailers and restaurant owners appear on track for a sales boost despite some of the struggles they faced implementing the temporary break.

BMV Books owner Patrick Hempelmann says he’s seen an uptick in sales since the tax break began, particularly on higher-priced items.

The vice-president of federal government relations for the Retail Council of Canada, Matt Poirier, says customers are shifting their buying patterns as a result of the tax break, and Boxing Day in particular is expected to get a boost.

However, he says businesses including ones with older payment systems have faced hurdles trying to implement the tax break on short notice and even figuring out which items qualify.

Restaurants Canada president and CEO Kelly Higginson says it’s been a little easier for restaurant owners, as everything they generally sell excluding hard liquor qualifies for the break.

While the revenue boost over the holiday is welcome, Higginson says it’s the expected uptick in spending during the slow January and February period that will really make the difference.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2024.

Rosa Saba, The Canadian Press