Retail Sales to Canadian-owned businesses, International border businesses, and Public border-related agencies

In the original 1994 study, the pre-survey mailing to retailers regarding the Canadian Shoppers survey included a request to supply information on sales to those firms and agencies appearing on the lists for Canadian-owned businesses, International border businesses, and Public border-related agencies. Since so few postcards were returned and fewer yet agreed to provide this information, we developed a substitute indicator. From the Chamber's directory, we chose 11 equipment and service providers who market directly to businesses. These companies included the following categories: advertising services, printing press, bottled water provider, building supply store, telecommunications system provider, office equipment provider, freight services, travel agency, courier service, HVAC contractor, and a human resources consultant. We asked these companies to report their 1994 sales to companies on the lists. For the 1996 replication study, the same group of 11 retailers were approached. Seven of the original retail market basket firms responded in 1996. Four firms from corresponding categories were selected to replace original firms that were no longer in business or chose not to participate in the replication.

Aggregate Sales Reported by Selected Clinton County Retailers to Canadian-owned Businesses, International Border Businesses and Public Border Agencies in Calendar Years 1994, 1996

 Aggregate sales reported by 9 of the 11 surveyed Clinton County Retailers were 131% greater in 1996 than in 1994. A strict comparison of the 7 original retail firms that responded both in 1994 and 1996 shows a 38% increase in their sales to Canadian-owned businesses, International border businesses, and Public border-related agencies.

Methodological Notes:

We propose that this survey of the same companies be performed annually. The relevance of this indicator is not in the volume of sales at any point in time but rather with the trend in sales for these same companies overtime. When companies are no longer in business, replacement firms should be selected from the same category of business. The Chamber should make an effort to secure the agreement to participate of all of the retail market basket firms for future replications.

Recommendations for Replication:

Most companies were willing to share detailed information with the caveat that only the aggregation of all the surveyed companies' sales was reported. Replication should be straightforward.