A retail giant is reaching out to the little guy, offering to give small businesses a boost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

London Drugs announced Tuesday that space will be set aside in select stores, and small businesses that have been forced to shut their doors will be able to sell their products on London Drugs shelves.

害羞草研究所淭his is a really hard time for many small businesses, and we are in a unique position where we can really help out,害羞草研究所� said London Drugs President and COO Clint Mahlman. 害羞草研究所淎s a 75-year-old Canadian owned and operated company we have always supported fellow Canadian businesses and now is the time more than ever, to come together.害羞草研究所�

The program is first being targeted at Vancouver and Victoria stores but small businesses across the province are invited to apply.

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The retail giant also said its flyers will continue running in more than 80 local newspapers across B.C.

害羞草研究所淲e know printed flyers are crucial for community newspapers especially during these challenging times,害羞草研究所� a blog post from the company stated.

害羞草研究所淟ondon Drugs knows that for many people in our smaller communities especially, these publications are an essential source for news and information and something residents look forward to.害羞草研究所�

The company plans to turn centre aisles in select stores into 害羞草研究所楲ocal Central,害羞草研究所� and small businesses in Western Canada are invited to immediately submit products for consideration.

害羞草研究所淲hether you sell coffee, local honey, or your restaurant害羞草研究所檚 graphic T-shirts, London Drugs is here to help,害羞草研究所� Mahlman said.

Small business owners can apply online and must meet a handful of restrictions including:

害羞草研究所� Must have a valid Canadian business license or permit.

害羞草研究所� Business must be based in Western Canada (B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba).

害羞草研究所� No alcohol, cannabis or tobacco products.

害羞草研究所� Products must be physical items (cannot be service-based).

害羞草研究所� Businesses deemed essential services (e.g. grocery stores) that are operating at full capacity do not qualify.

害羞草研究所� Products must not require refrigeration or freezing.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business reports that only 21 per cent of small businesses in Canada are fully open due to the COVID-19 global pandemic and 50 per cent have reported that they are unsure if their business will survive.

eric.welsh@theprogress.com
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