As GST break approaches, small businesses prepare for a tax holiday headache [Video]

With only 24 hours left until the federal government’s GST holiday kicks in, small retailers say they’re preparing as best as they can for what could be a period of shopping chaos.

The tax break, announced on Nov. 21, applies to goods such as prepared foods and restaurant meals; children’s clothing; diapers; footwear; car seats and toys; jigsaw puzzles; video game hardware; print books and newspapers; and Christmas trees. CBC News has a full breakdown here.

For the small businesses selling those items, the tax break could be a holiday season boon — but some think it’s more trouble than it’s worth, with retailers preparing to reprogram their cash registers and sale systems, and trying to make sense of which goods are eligible.

Jennifer Leblond, the owner of Calgary shop Steeling Home, describes her business as a modern general store, one that sells everything from pet supplies and cookware to rugs, toys and jewelry. She says she let out “a big sigh” when the GST …