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As customers step into SaskMade marketplace in Saskatoon, they’re met with shelves stocked with local treasures, from handcrafted gifts, to farm fresh eggs, meat and a wide variety of snacks.
General manager Mark Diakiw said the growing popularity of shopping locally is more than a trend. It’s a lifeline for real people amid the looming threat of 25 per cent tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Most of the businesses we work with are small operations, like one to five people, and you’re literally putting money into their pocket to help take care of their family and live their lives,” he said.
Mark Diakiw, general manager at SaskMade Marketplace, said it’s nice to see local businesses highlight Canadian and Saskatchewan made products. (Alex Brown/650 CKOM)
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On Wednesday, the Saskatchewan NDP launched a shop local campaign to encourage citizens to support one another during this time of uncertainty.
Diakiw said the initiative comes at a great time.
“Usually, February is our slowest month of the year, but our sales have already surpassed January and are almost up 50 per cent from last year,” he said.
The location on 8th Street has been in operation for over 20 years and supports 450 suppliers, including 300 grocery suppliers and around 150 gift suppliers.
Diakiw said some customers are often surprised a store like this even exists.
“People are always really excited when they first come to the store to see everything that we have to offer,” he said.
Customers have expressed to Diakiw that they plan to limit their spending on U.S. goods.
Diakiw said Saskatchewan is known for coming together during difficult times in the economy, like during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SaskMade Market has two locations in Saskatoon, one on 8th Street and downtown. (Alex Brown/650 CKOM)
NDP launches ShopSK.ca
Opposition Leader Carla Beck said now is the time to “take a side.”
“Our sovereignty is being threatened,” she said. “We are being threatened with devastating tariffs. This is not a time to remain neutral. This is a time for all of us to unite and do everything we can, that includes shopping local.”
The website ShopSK.ca is a place where people can promote their favourite local shops, download media graphics and sign a petition in support of Saskatchewan businesses.
“There’s a lot we can’t control right now,” Beck said. “There’s a lot that is unpredictable right now. This is something we can all do, shop local. Be conscious about where those dollars go.”
Beck said local businesses are the backbone of communities and that it’s time to return the favour.
“This is one way we can remain strong and united, to support them,” she said.
“They are always there to support us. They need our help right now. Let’s buy local. Let’s support those local businesses.”
Beck said she still has hope that the Trump administration will back away from tariffs and that this has been a “wake-up call.”
“This is about reacquainting ourselves or doubling down on making sure we’re checking labels before we make purchases, or looking for a substitution that might be available closer to home,” she said.
Hundreds of businesses are already listed on the site, Beck expects this list to grow.
— with files from 650 CKOM’s Alex Brown
