At Miik, we’ve always believed that clothing can be about more than getting dressed. For us, it’s about comfort, quality, longevity, and creating pieces right here in Canada that reflect our values.
That’s why the discussion around U.S. tariffs feels so relevant to us right now.
When people hear the word tariffs, it can sound like something distant or overly political. But for independent Canadian fashion brands, trade changes show up in very practical ways. They affect cross-border shipping, customer experience at checkout, and how small brands plan for the future.
For us, this isn’t just a policy headline—it’s about what it takes to protect Canadian manufacturing, support local small businesses, and keep quality craftsmanship rooted in our own communities.
Why tariffs matter for Canadian-made brands
There is a common assumption that if a brand manufactures locally, cross-border trade policies don't affect them. The reality is that small, independent brands operate on careful planning and tight margins. When extra duties, cross-border fees, or shifting trade policies enter the picture, it introduces friction for cross-border shoppers.
When unexpected duties appear at checkout, it changes the shopping experience instantly. Even customers who love a brand may pause, and sometimes that pause turns into an abandoned cart.
Our president, Susan Cadman, recently spoke about this reality in interviews with CBC. She highlighted how cross-border duties create added friction for international customers, making it harder for small Canadian businesses to expand their reach outside our borders.
Because every single Miik garment is designed, cut, and sewn within 50km of our Toronto headquarters, our core commitment remains unchanged: investing in Canadian jobs, partnering with local makers, and maintaining the quality our community expects. But navigating these shifting rules requires extra care and adaptability from small teams like ours.
What our CEO Susan Cadman has been sharing in the media
In her recent media appearances, Susan helped put words to what so many Canadian small business owners are navigating right now.
Rather than focusing solely on the challenges, her message centred on community, local economic health, and the importance of supporting homegrown businesses. In her CBC interview the takeaway was clear: when outside trade pressures grow, choosing local becomes even more meaningful.
It’s a reminder that when you support a Canadian-made brand, your dollars don't just buy a product—they support local manufacturing partners, design teams, shipping crews, and the broader economy.
Why this conversation goes beyond fashion
This conversation is bigger than one brand or one industry.
Tariffs and cross-border trade friction touch makers, growers, retailers, and independent businesses across the country. Supporting Canadian-owned brands helps build resilience across our local economy, ensuring that vibrant, community-focused businesses can continue to thrive.
Putting words into action: The Keep It Canadian Challenge
When trade pressures mounted, we wanted to offer our community a real, tangible way to show up for local businesses—not just Miik, but the entire Canadian small business ecosystem. That inspired us to launch our Keep It Canadian Challenge this past August. The idea was simple: shop with any independent, Canadian-owned brand—whether that meant picking up local skincare, handmade jewelry, or home goods—and upload your receipt to receive an exclusive discount on our Fall Collection.
While the challenge is now over, the spirit behind the campaign continues. This challenge was never just about a one-month promotion; it was about building everyday habits around community care. Even with August behind us, we encourage everyone to keep that mindset alive. Every time you choose a local maker, you help protect Canadian jobs, keep expertise rooted at home, and sustain the vibrant small businesses that make our communities feel like home.
5 simple ways to support local small businesses right now
- Choose Canadian-owned when you can: Even a few intentional shifts in where you shop make a real difference for independent brands.
- Look closely at guides and labels: Explore resources like the Financial Post Buy Canadian Guide to discover independent local alternatives and check product labels before purchasing.
- Invest in quality over quantity: Choosing versatile, well-made pieces that last season after season supports a more sustainable, slow-fashion mindset.
- Show support beyond buying: Sharing a brand’s post, recommending them to a friend, or leaving a kind review gives small businesses vital visibility.
- Spread local support across your routine: Apply the same mindset to everyday choices—from Canadian-made food and skincare to local bookstores and gift shops.
At Miik, we’ve always believed in the power of thoughtful choices. Supporting Canadian small businesses helps protect local jobs, craftsmanship, and community connection. And to us, that is always worth standing up for.
With much love,
Your Miik team 🤍
