Interest in ‘elbows up’ merchandise waning ahead of Canada Day, businesses say
NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA, JUN 29 – Sales of "elbows up" merchandise have dropped about 90% since March despite a brief Canada Day boost, reflecting shifts in political context and consumer attitudes, retailers say.
- In March 2025, Rachael Coe introduced an "elbows up" merchandise collection at her Timeless Memories shop in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, which quickly became a top seller amid rising tensions related to U.S. tariffs and annexation concerns.
- The surge in sales followed U.S. President Trump’s tariffs and annexation threats, which revived a patriotic movement previously embraced as a grassroots rallying cry against cross-border economic pressures.
- Merchandise sales peaked with Coe selling 2,500 items including T-shirts and hoodies by April, but sales declined by about 90 percent by May amid increasing partisan use and social media criticism of the phrase 'elbows up'.
- Howard Ramos observed that the phrase has gained a more partisan tone compared to the past, while Coe emphasized that "elbows up" simply signifies patriotism and defending one's country. However, some people have come to view it as an anti-Conservative sentiment or associated with a "boomer" movement.
- Despite waning enthusiasm, business owners report continued interest in Canada-themed products leading to a slight sales boost ahead of Canada Day, reflecting ongoing customer focus on supporting the Canadian economy.
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Interest in ‘elbows up’ merchandise waning ahead of Canada Day, businesses say
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
The expression is increasingly used in a partisan context. The post The products marked "Elbows up" are losing popularity appeared first on Les Affaires.
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