Looking for a local alternative to get around the Canada Post strike?
Just Simcoe, an online marketplace and delivery service, is billing itself as a “crucial lifeline, stepping in to support the local economy.”
“Small businesses are often at the mercy of larger corporations when it comes to infrastructure like shipping and delivery,” said Andrew de Jong, a Barrie resident and the company's founder. “The Canada Post strike has been a wake-up call for many, forcing them to explore new options. We've had numerous local businesses lean on us during this time, and we’re proud to step up and help.”
Many Simcoe County businesses have been hit hard by the labour disruption at a key time of the year — but Just Simcoe offers a long-term, stable solution, he said.
With a website and apps for iPhone and Android devices, Just Simcoe allows customers to purchase and explore thousands of products from hundreds of local businesses.
“The platform is designed to allow users to shop from multiple vendors in a single transaction,” de Jong told InnisfilToday recently.
The company offers same-day delivery on orders placed by 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. De Jong plans to expand the same-day service to weekends by the end of the year.
Just Simcoe has a large consumer base in Innisfil, and the company is an alumnus of DMZ Innisfil.
“We began the cohort back in January this year, and the experience has been amazing,” de Jong said. “The DMZ team in both Innisfil and Toronto have been imperative to getting us to this point.”
The company has seen a “surge” in demand as businesses look for alternatives to keep products moving and customers satisfied, he said.
“The strike isn’t just about delayed packages; it’s about the cascading effects on small businesses,” de Jong said. “A single delay can lead to unhappy customers, lost revenue, and strained relationships. We’re here to ensure that businesses in Simcoe County have a reliable partner, whether they’re part of our marketplace or not.”
For more information on the company, visit justsimcoe.ca.
— With files from Amber Green
