Point Roberts business closing after 75% decline

Businesses in U.S. towns near the Canadian border are struggling. Many, like Point to Point Parcel in Point Roberts, are facing bankruptcy or have already shut down. The co-owner, Beth Calder, announced that their business will close on April 19. She says they have seen a 75% drop in sales, which has been worse than the impacts of COVID-19. Point to Point Parcel has served Canadian customers for 24 years. Calder said that government changes and tariffs have severely affected their operations. She expressed frustration, noting, “It’s a hard thing, when you work your ass off and somebody else gets to choose if your business is going to survive.” Calder pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the business managed to stay afloat as people shopped online. However, now reduced cross-border travel is hurting them badly. She explained that their survival depends entirely on Canadian customers, and many are choosing not to cross the border. The store has seen a significant drop in parcels. In the first ten days of March, they received 1,000 fewer packages compared to last year. Just recently, they only received 15 packages from FedEx, down from the usual 60 to 80. The situation has created emotional strain on both sides of the border. Calder’s uncle, Brian, mentioned that Point Roberts has always supported Canada, emphasizing the impact of these changes on trust and friendship between the two nations.