Simply choosing to shun an American retailer operating in Canada amid the growing trade tensions might not be the best thing to do.

The months of October to December are known as the “golden quarter” in the retail industry. Thanksgiving sales, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and soon, the ever present Christmas push.

It all contributes to shops of all sorts making their profits for the year.

In most cases, orders have been placed for inventory.

Jim Cormier, the director of government relations with the Retail Council of Canada, says his organization represents all companies that sell us goods and services including American, European and Canadian.

He says bypassing an American retailer in these days of 50 per cent tariffs may be doing more harm than good.

“They also pay a significant amount in wages across Canada, plus property tax, business tax, and may be contributing more to Canada than a smaller retailer might be,” says Cormier.

“I’m not trying to direct people in their shopping choices but just make sure you take a full look at it before you make decisions because a large American retailer may be contributing more to the local community than the Canadian company.”