Now that much of Canada is gradually reopening, the promo industry there is anxious to get back to business. But inflation is high, supply chain holdups are throwing a wrench into things and buyers are still hesitant after long lockdowns. But all eyes remain forward to the coming months.

In this discussion on Twitter Spaces, Digital Content Director Vin Driscoll speaks with Sara Lavenduski, executive editor of digital content and editor of PromoGram Canada for ASI Media, and Kate Plummer, vice president of sales and marketing at Clearmount (asi/45440) in Toronto, to discuss the current state of Canadian promo and predictions for the coming months as challenges continue.

“There’s a real hesitancy in Ontario,” says Plummer. “Like, ‘Are we really opening up? Is this really going to happen?’ … We’re watching what’s happening in the U.S. and going, ‘Are we really OK?’ ” And that’s leading to trigger-shy promo clients, many who haven’t purchased promo in more than 18 months.

“We’re still working towards a really positive goal. We can see a light, there are just a lot of clouds in the way.” — Kate Plummer, Clearmount

Meanwhile, in addition to the virus and economic challenges, Plummer continues to monitor the mental health of her staff in the midst of ongoing uncertainty. “If you lose a staff member [due to mental health strain], the replacement costs are huge,” she says. “We should all be very cautious and alert of what is happening with our staff in terms of workload and happiness.”