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Your daily horoscope: February 5

                   HOROSCOPES IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY Aquarius is one of the zodiac’s fixed signs, which means you don’t change your ways often. This year, however, you must learn to be more adaptable, especially where new technology and new techniques are concerned. Don’t get stuck in the past. ARIES (March 21 - April 20): You must resist going to extremes over the next 24 hours, because if you allow the overly assertive side of your nature to take over you will almost certainly provoke a backlash. Venus in your sign should make it easier to avoid excessive behaviour. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21): Uranus in your sign means you will enjoy shocking people by saying and doing things that seem to be at odds with your easygoing nature. Just remember that while it may be a huge joke to you not everyone will be amused by your antics. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21): Although an upheaval of some kind is likely today it won’t be too traumatic and...

Boxing Day Sales See Smaller Crowds Despite GST Break

 

Retailers across the country experienced smaller crowds and cautious spending on Boxing Day this year, despite the federal government's GST holiday. While the tax break, which makes a variety of items GST-free for two months, did attract some shoppers, many consumers remained hesitant due to ongoing cost of living concerns.

Shoppers at Fairview Mall in Toronto, like Nakul Singal, took advantage of the deals but expressed that the tax break alone wasn't enough to offset the high costs of living**. Singal mentioned, "It's good to shop around during this time, but we're still struggling with expenses, especially housing.

Retail Council of Canada's Matt Poirier noted that businesses faced challenges implementing the tax break on short notice, and some older payment systems struggled to adapt.  An RBC Economics report also indicated that retail spending slowed in November, with holiday spending slightly below 2023 levels over the Black Friday weekend.

Despite these challenges, some retailers, like GameStop in north Toronto, saw an influx of customers eager to benefit from the tax holiday. Assistant store manager Joey Comia-Orellano said, "We've been getting shoppers before Boxing Day, and we expect it to get busier as consumers look to save with Boxing Day deals combined with the tax break."

Overall, while the GST break provided some relief, it wasn't enough to fully counteract the economic pressures faced by many Canadians.




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