The Rubber Duck Museum moves to Canada after struggling with declining sales and rising tariffs. Located in Point Roberts, Washington, the museum has faced challenges due to its unique location and political tensions between the U.S. and Canada. The museum, which houses thousands of rubber ducks, is now seeking a fresh start across the border.
Point Roberts is an isolated U.S. town that borders Canada. The only way to drive there is through Canadian territory, which makes it highly dependent on its northern neighbor. This unusual geography has made Canadian visitors essential to the museum’s success. However, since the U.S. launched tariff wars, including with Canada, foot traffic has significantly dropped.
Neil and Krystal King, the owners of the museum, have been forced to reconsider their business strategy. They’ve sold a variety of rubber ducks over the years, from classic Disney figures to historical characters. However, sales have plummeted since President Trump’s tariff wars began. As tariffs on goods from China surged, the museum also saw a rise in costs, with some items facing up to 145% tariffs.
“We’ve had a lot of regulars and loyal customers reach out to us,” Krystal King said. “They feel offended by a lot of the rhetoric coming out of the White House right now.” This sentiment, coupled with the tariff troubles, has prompted the Kings to make a difficult decision: move the museum to Canada.
The museum’s popularity relied heavily on Canadian visitors, but the ongoing tension between the two countries, especially after President Trump’s remarks about Canada’s status, has created an unfriendly environment. In a phone call with then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump questioned the validity of the border treaty and expressed disdain for longstanding water-sharing agreements.
As a result, the Rubber Duck Museum moves to Canada to avoid further losses and take advantage of a more welcoming environment. By relocating, the Kings hope to rebuild their business and restore the museum’s charm to its loyal customers.
The Kings are optimistic that this change will revive their sales and preserve their quirky museum’s legacy. They hope the move will ease the difficulties caused by strained U.S.-Canada relations and provide a new chapter for their business.
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