“I recognize that the grocer has bought these oranges before the tariff was in place. They’re out the money for these oranges,” she explained.

“I don’t feel badly about buying those oranges right now. I’m helping that market sell their U.S. products and get it off of the shelves.”

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 30 day pause in tariffs to see if the two countries could reach a “final economic deal.”

READ MORE: Despite tariff pause, uncertainty hangs over Canadian economy

This move has given Canadian businesses time to look for new product suppliers.

Cable said “when you think about the whole logistics of things, many store owners like myself carry a large portion of sources from U.S.A. companies’ products.”

Out of all the products in her store, about six per cent of the items are made in America and approximately 22 per cent are from American companies.

“So I’m carrying a lot of dollars right here and if people go all whole hog on a boycott right away, that’s going to affect my ability to pay rent, buy my own groceries, pay my bills, pay my staff. I can’t afford that,” she added.

Mary Lou Newbold, president of Think Local First Victoria, said Cable’s social media post and comments changed her way of thinking when it comes to shopping locally during tariff threats.

“I hoped that people don’t just immediately stop buying certain items at businesses. That’s not helpful today,” she said. “We need to help local businesses, any business that’s operating in our community that we wish to support, by helping them clear the inventory,” Newbold said.

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She said people need to take into account that businesses likely purchased the American items before the tariff threat was made.

“So you aren’t doing anyone a service by not purchasing that product. You’re actually hurting that business person by leaving it on the shelf,” said Newbold.

Cable said she, and many other local business owners, try to purchase stock from B.C. and Canadian companies first, but sometimes they can’t find the items they are looking for unless they buy from an American company.

She said she is not stopping all business with American suppliers until this is resolved.

On Wednesday morning Cable even cancelled an order of thermometers from an America-based company she placed on Friday.

“What they are making are really well made products, but my devotion to my country and my customers comes first,” she said.

Cable added she can’t purchase more Canadian stock until her current items sell.

“It’s good to look at where things are coming from, definitely read the labels, be aware of where it’s coming from, but don’t be afraid to buy American at this time,” she said.

“Support local, support small, help us ride this wave so that we can find sources elsewhere.”