Meeting the public where they are, a fifth-generation Ottawa butcher shop thrives on social media
The Butchery in Ottawa gaining social media traction is a "big deal" says expert.
Handmade ho, ho, ho: Putting a priority on meaningful gifts as budgets tighten this holiday season
As the holiday season approaches and prices rise nation-wide, Canadians are choosing to adapt in creative ways.
Gas prices remain high compared with other costs, leaving Ottawa residents scrambling to cope
Despite overall inflation falling, gasoline prices are still consistently higher than all other essential goods in Ontario, putting financial strain on Ottawa residents.
Turning a page? Bookworms taking stock because of rising prices
Rising cost of paper and shipping is forcing up prices for books.
As Starbucks shuts Ottawa locations, coffee drinkers turn to local cafés for a better experience
As Starbucks shutters nine Ottawa locations amid declining sales, local coffee lovers are finding comfort and community in the city’s independent cafés.
The desert blooms: Old Hull residents welcome the first grocery store in 25 years
The neighbourhood of Old Hull now has it's first grocery store since 1999, and neighbourhood residents are pleased.
One month later, convenience store booze sales are making many customers happy
How has the booze business been affecting convenience stores?
ByWard vendors finding creative ways to stay afloat after the outdoor market closes for winter
ByWard Market has been the heart of the Ottawa community since its establishment in 1827. As the outdoor market prepares for closure this year, vendors reflect on the declining state of Ottawa's downtown sector.
Rideau Centre CAMP Cube experience helps business spread the word to customers
In mid-August, a large, mysterious cube appeared inside the Rideau Centre. Located next to Bento Sushi and tucked underneath an escalator, it attracted a line of curious mall-goers. Some had seen it on Instagram; others had not. Turns out the Cadillac Fairview (CF) CAMP Cube is a futuristic marketing tool that provides shoppers with a sci-fi gameshow experience. It will...
Sharing the wealth: The thrill of the find turns thrifters into resellers
Ottawa is seeing a rise of consumers shopping for secondhand and preloved items, on social media and local markets.
As grocery prices continue to rise, this Ottawa Reddit user is helping people find deals
Nearly two-thirds of Canadians have substantially changed their grocery habits, according to a recent survey.
Many Canadians forced to make cuts to holiday gift budget
Although inflation has eased, many Ottawans are tightening their belts as they do their Christmas shopping this year.
Local businesses express hope for strong Christmas season to boost fortunes
While it may only be November, shoppers are already filling up their bags with Christmas presents for family and friends.
The ‘shoppertainment’ trap: As social media apps blur line between socializing and buying, the risks to users soar
Shopping online through social media platforms is expanding exponentially but it also carries serious risks, experts say.
Zellers returns with nostalgic flair to competitive Canadian discount retail market
HBC's relaunch of the Zellers brand is a bid to compete in the discount retail market. Many Canadians will remember the store but some ask is nostalgia enough?
Cutting consumption? Ottawa microbreweries have you covered with non-alcoholic options
An in-depth look at how microbreweries in Ottawa are adapting to changing trends, new health recommendations and tax hikes.
Love hurts: Inflation drives up price of flowers ahead of Valentine’s Day
Floral price inflation may impact how you spend your money this Valentine's Day.
“Be Somewhere Else”: Lush Cosmetics has decided to leave four major social media platforms
Lush announced on Instagram that the company would be taking a step back from four major platforms in all 48 countries where it operates.
Couponing can help inflation-weary consumers keep money in their pockets, say discount hunters
Rising prices are posing a real problem for many households, but experienced couponers say that there are ways to save through the many offers made available by sellers.
Unmasked: Ontario retailers, shoppers warily adjust after indoor mandate ends
Ottawa shoppers adapt to new public health measure as the province lifted indoor mask mandates on March 21.
White Tim Hortons lids may be more recyclable but focus should be on reuse, say environmentalists
Have you noticed the lid on your Tim Hortons coffee cup is a different colour? Capital Current explores what this means for recycling and the environment.
Growing business: Ottawa-area farms experienced surge in demand for Christmas trees this year
Christmas trees were in high demand this holiday season, farm owners say
Sweet relief: Whitby Christmas Market welcomed by vendors and visitors alike
Vendors were pleased to be back in an in-person Christmas Market in Whitby which offered a chance to tell their stories in person.
Restaurant owners cautiously optimistic about summer as patios open to customers
Restaurant owners in Ontario are expressing cautious optimism the province reopens after a difficult third wave of the pandemic.
Garden centres geared up for another pandemic planting surge
Garden centres saw a surge this time last year because of the pandemic. Since the Ontario government has declared garden centres will remain open during the stay-at-home order, they are seeing an increase in demand, again.
Hamilton area home prices soar during COVID-19 pandemic
Realtor Stacey Keric believes the effects of the pandemic will have a lasting effect on the market in the city
Audio storytelling rides a wave of pandemic popularity
The pandemic has not slowed the interest in podcasting as a way to engage and interested audience.
COVID cash: Pandemic pressures may push more women to consider direct-selling opportunities
The pandemic may lead more women to participate in direct selling schemes.
COVID-19 restrictions are causing a surge in cannabis sales and changing consumer habits in Ottawa
Learn how COVID-19 restrictions are causing a change in local cannabis retail sales and consumer habits.
Ottawa malls adapt to a new kind of holiday shopping
With current COVID-19 restrictions holiday shopping in Canada’s capital is going to look very different this year.
Paper bags just as environmentally damaging as plastic bags, experts say
With Canada getting ready to ban plastic bags by the end of 2021, experts are warning its most popular alternative has environmentally damaging consequences of its own.
In focus: Researchers, optometrists stress importance of eye health as online market for glasses grows
Eye experts are expressing concerns over online eyewear consumers not getting regular eye exams.
Four Ottawa-area public health units issue mandatory-mask directive for enclosed public spaces
Ottawa Public Health has shifted its approach to reducing the spread of COVID-19, and is now officially requiring that city residents wear face masks in indoor public spaces. In a statement issued jointly on Monday by four regional public health units in Eastern Ontario, including Ottawa Public Health, the agencies stated that they were “invoking a directive under the province’s...
Ottawa craft brewery adapts to the COVID-19 pandemic
Stray Dog Brewing company is one of few businesses to prosper during the COVID-19 pandemic. His beer delivery has become a popular service throughout the capital.
Internet providers see demand surge as Canadians hunker down over COVID-19
COIVD-19 is forcing Canadians to stay inside their homes leaving internet service providers with greater demand for their services.
Local Ottawa businesses adapt to COVID-19 closures
Some local business owners say they are facing some very tough choices in the current lockdown in Ontario. Businesses deemed essential by the province include grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, and cannabis retailers among others. This has forced some non-essential business owners to rework their plans to survive during the closures. “I made the decision to cut all nine of my...
Open or shut? COVID crisis forces tough choices for Ottawa restaurants
Ottawa restaurants deal with COVID-19 and pressures to close due to pandemic.
Rolling up the rim cups poses dilemma for popular Tim Hortons contest in a time of COVID-19
After 35 years of rolling up a paper rim, Tim Hortons has rolled out a digital model for this year’s contest. In light of COVID-19 concerns, the chain has scrapped Roll Up the Rim paper cups and is declining to fill reusable mugs.
The shelves in Ottawa have a limited selection of cannabis edibles
People in Ottawa are interested in edibles but with only a few weeks in to them being available in stores, and the shelves are almost always bare.
Centretown neighbours buy less, share more for planet and community
Buy Nothing groups are attempting to change our society in a bid to lower the impact of consumption on the environment.
Thrifting as gifting: A shift towards more sustainable shopping practices
With the holiday shopping season in full gear, an increasing number of shoppers are turning to thrift and consignment stores instead of traditional stores to find the perfect present.
‘Democratizing’ zero waste: Can waste-free living be for everyone?
From Vancouver to Ottawa, stores like NU Grocery are dispensing a variety of food and cleaning products free of plastic packaging in an effort to cut waste. But some are saying that a zero-waste lifestyle is a privilege not everyone in Ottawa can afford.
The numbers on legal weed
A year after the legalization of cannabis, this is how the community has changed.