Businesses call it, “showrooming.” A person comes in, looks over the merchandise, tries something on, gets details or advice from the local merchant, and then uses their new-found knowledge and experience to buy the item online or from a big box store. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business calls it a major problem for independent merchants heading into the busy holiday season. Marilyn Braun-Pollon is Vice-President, Western Canada and Agri-business for the CFIB. She says it’s these local shops that support local kids’ hockey teams or donate to the community food bank every Christmas. They pay rent, property taxes, and hire employees. In the end, spending money elsewhere means our communities suffer. According to the CFIB, shoppers between the ages of 18 and 34 are most likely to engage in showrooming.