Some Toronto businesses anxious about Trump’s tariff threat [Video]

Looking to expand into the U.S., Dani Kagan says she’s concerned that incoming president Donald Trump’s threat of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods could stifle growth for local businesses.

“The idea that a tariff could come is honestly pretty devastating,” the Toronto-based businesswoman said.

Kagan is the co-founder of Mave & Chez, a company that makes high-end slippers designed to provide ergonomic support.

While taking a tour of her Toronto warehouse, Kagan says that she got the idea, she says, “When I couldn’t find a supportive slipper that was also genuinely stylish and elegant, I started making them myself.”

Mave & Chez started in 2021 and has been growing steadily ever since. Their slippers are manufactured in Brazil and shipped to Canada for distribution. Most orders come direct to the company website which has allowed Mave & Chez to keep pricing consistent at around $200 a pair. …