Canadian liquor sales flourish in Edmonton as U.S. products return to shelves
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Distributors can resume U.S. liquor product sales, but Edmonton retailers say consumer preference may have already moved on.
'Is the bourbon selling? Yes. Is it selling as good as it was? No. Is Canadian selling better? Yes,' said Lionel Usunier, owner of Keg n Cork Liquor Company (3845 99 St.).
Upon returning for his second term in the White House in January, U.S. President Donald Trump put tariffs on Canadian goods, sparking outrage across the country that has lasted since early this year. While Canada has responded with retaliatory tariffs, the Alberta government took its own steps in March by directing Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) to pause all purchases of U.S. products — an order that AGLC announced on Friday has been rescinded. While consumers may have their choice of U.S. products back, their preferences may have already changed.
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