Harpinder Brar, a business owner operating gas stations, grocery stores, and other ventures across Saskatchewan and Manitoba, is drawing attention to the mounting pressures faced by local retail operators and essential service businesses in Canada. She encourages individuals to take simple, practical actions that strengthen their communities by supporting local businesses.
Brar notes that many people underestimate the daily demands of running a small business. "People see the front counter," she says. "They don't see everything behind it." According to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, small businesses account for more than 98 percent of all employer businesses in Canada and employ over 10 million people nationwide. Despite their prevalence, operators continue to grapple with rising costs tied to fuel, transportation, inventory, staffing, and utilities.
Retail industry data underscores the challenges: over half of small business owners work more than 50 hours per week, independent retailers face increasing operating expenses year over year, and repeat customers remain a critical indicator of long-term stability. Community spending at local businesses helps circulate money back into regional economies, making local support vital.
Brar emphasizes that consistency and accountability are the foundation of sustainable operations. "You have to be present," she says. "If you ignore things, they fall apart." Gas stations and grocery stores operate in fast-paced environments where reliability is essential. Customers depend on stocked shelves, clean spaces, efficient service, and stable operations. "You cannot expect quick results," Brar adds. "You just keep showing up."
One of the biggest misconceptions, Brar believes, is that success happens automatically once a business opens. "A lot of people only see the customer side," she says. "They don't see the planning, staffing, inventory, or problem-solving happening every day." Her businesses rely on structured systems, repeat customer trust, and consistent standards. "I believe in doing things properly," she says, "even when no one is watching."
Rather than promoting large campaigns, Brar encourages individuals to make small, practical decisions that positively impact local businesses. She urges people to support local businesses regularly when possible, treat frontline workers with patience and respect, leave honest positive reviews for dependable businesses, recognize consistency and reliability in customer service, and understand the pressures small operators face behind the scenes. "You don't have to do something dramatic," Brar says. "Small actions matter more than people realize."
Brar's own leadership style has evolved through managing operations across Saskatchewan and Manitoba. "I have become more practical and direct over time," she says. "Consistency solves more problems than emotion." She believes long-term stability comes from structure, discipline, and accountability rather than short-term trends. "If you keep showing up and handling responsibilities properly, the business becomes stronger over time," she says.
Brar is encouraging individuals to support the businesses they rely on every day by making more intentional local choices, practicing patience with frontline workers, and recognizing the work behind essential community services. She also encourages people to share these conversations within their own communities and support dependable local businesses through simple, consistent actions. "Responsibility matters," Brar says. "That applies to business owners and communities alike."
