Trump tariffs and threats see Maple Leaf flag sales jump

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In the heart of the ByWard Market, the Irving Rivers store has always been well-stocked with clothing and uniforms for tourists and locals alike. But in recent weeks, one particular item has had trouble staying on its shelves: the Canada Flag.

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Michael Osterer, manager of Irving Rivers, says the red-and-white flag is typically a popular item, but sales have doubled since the threat of a U.S.-Canada trade war. He sold out of Canada flags on Flag Day last month.

“I’m ordering more flags in as we speak. I just got an order this morning for some and shipping more out later today, so it’s going good,” he said last week. “Because of the tariffs, and Trump, (we are) definitely seeing an increase (in sales).” 

A recent poll conducted by the Angus Reid Group found that 85 per cent of Canadians have, or are planning to, replace their American products with Canadian, which could explain why Osterer has seen an increase in customers. And he’s not the only one.

“Canada flags sell all the time, but never really quite like this,” said Brad Green, co-owner of World of Maps.   

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While the store sells a range of items from maps to globes, it’s the flags that are getting the most attention these days. 

“(Sales) are higher than even during Canada Day,” he adds, something unseen in the 30 years the store has been open.  

While many of these sales have come from regular customers, Green has noticed that “many of the (customers) just walk in, sometimes just off the street and buy the flag and are on their way.” 

Cecilia Burke, CEO of Flag Networks, says the response has been overwhelming.

“We’re always surprised every morning when our controller gives us the internet orders and customer requests, but especially the Canadian flagpole and bracket that we’ve been selling a lot of,” she said.  

“We also have been selling a lot of our balcony flags, which surprised us, because it’s very cold right now to be digging a flagpole in the ground, but people still want to show their pride,” she added.  

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Part of this increase comes from Flag Day, which is observed on Feb. 15 to celebrate the inauguration of Canada’s flag. 

Minister of Canadian Heritage Pascale St-Onge said in a statement how “public displays of national pride have become more prominent following external economic pressures.”  

She encouraged Canadians to “remind ourselves what (the flag) represents: our values, our resilience and our sovereignty.” 

But it’s not just Canadian flags people are buying more of. Green points to how the store also sold out of pins, patches and decals with the Maple Leaf on them.  

Green has also noticed an increase in Ukrainian flags being sold. “Ukraine flag sales are up, not as much as the Canadian flag, but it’s up,” he said, pointing to Canadians being tuned into the news around the world.  

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Green says that amidst the political tension, it’s “good that people are proud of the flag.” 

“We are overwhelmed with the sentiment, with the people that are coming and telling us their stories, wanting to show their pride,” Burke said of her customers. 

“It’s been moving to see such a response, and everybody’s keen to (show their pride) they’re sticking a flag in a snowbank, just to be able to show something red.”

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