Time is running out for area stores to prepare for the federal government's temporary Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) break.
Starting Saturday, December 14, the two-month tax break will apply on certain groceries, alcoholic beverages, books, children’s clothing and toys and other items.
The Book Keeper owner Susan Chamberlain is maintaining a positive attitude, despite having to find time to get ready for the tax break during their busiest season for sales.
"From my point of view as a small business owner, it's a complicated situation because our software company is trying to figure out ways that we can easily implement this at the cash desk," said Chamberlain. "It's not an easy solution. It seems like they [the software company] can do part of it, but then there are some things we're going to have to do manually."
Chamberlain said the break doesn't amount to huge savings for her customers.
"Books only have five per cent tax on them to start with, so it's not the full 13 per cent that is on a lot of things. But, of course, we do have lots of things in our store that do have the 13 per cent -- which is all the non-book items -- and then I think there's certain exceptions even to the books. Blank books don't qualify... [there's] a lot of little loopholes, and a lot of little details we're going to have to pay attention to," she said.
Chamberlain said she understands the logic of the timing from the government's point of view.
"It's like a Christmas gift almost to the consumer, not a Christmas gift so much to the retailers. It is certainly a busy time for us to be trying to do extra things."
She said Christmas sales account for about two-thirds of yearly profits in the book industry.
"It is so heavily weighted to the Christmas season," Chamberlain said. "I doubt [the tax holiday] will encourage sales following Christmas, and because it's only five per cent... we're talking a dollar or two on most books. It's not a lot of money."
The break -- which the government said is meant to provide relief to Canadians as the cost of living remains high and save taxpayers an estimated $1.6 billion -- lasts until February 15, 2025.
According to the Department of Finance, a family spending $2,000 on qualifying goods would realize GST savings of $100 over that period.
"If cars were included it would be much more significant. But, I think it's a nice gift to the consumer. It's a bit of a pain for us, but I guess it really doesn't matter if I like it or not... because it's happening," Chamberlain said cheerfully.
The indie bookstore is located in Sarnia's Northgate Plaza.