FLAGS UNLIMITED SEES SURGE IN SALES AMID HEIGHTENED CANADIAN-AMERICAN TENSIONS
Canadian flagmaker Flags Unlimited, based in Barrie, Ontario, has seen its sales double from the previous year, according to the company's owners, amidst escalating tensions with the United States, fueling a surge in patriotism.
This boost in sales coincides with Canada's national Flag Day on February 15, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the red and white maple leaf banner's first hoisting in Ottawa.
Co-owner of Flags Unlimited, Matt Skipp, located in Barrie just north of Toronto, attributes the increased demand to concerns surrounding Canadian sovereignty due to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Skipp notes, "It's a direct response to the current political climate, with Canadians uniting behind their flag as a symbol of national unity."
Canadian politicians have encouraged citizens to prominently display the national flag over the weekend as a demonstration of national pride and unity.
In response to Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods announced on February 3, causing some Canadians to boycott U.S. products and events, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly expressed skepticism about Trump's musings on absorbing Canada as the 51st U.S. state, citing the country's abundant natural resources.
Flags Unlimited, which annually produces over 500,000 flags, is exploring options such as increased shifts and additional material sourcing to meet the current surge in demand. While the company assembles its flags in Ontario, it imports some materials from abroad.
Mike Allen, employed in the auto parts industry, visited the store to purchase a flag on Wednesday, voicing his opposition to U.S. tariffs due to potential repercussions on his job. Given the deeply integrated nature of the North American auto industry, tariffs could result in increased costs for American consumers. Expressing his frustration, Allen emphasized, "We're not the enemy. It's hard to understand why we're being attacked."