Sudbury giftware business closing after almost half a century
A giftware business on Durham Street in downtown Sudbury called El Mercado is closing.
After almost half a century in the gift and home decor industry in the city, the owners -- Shirley Vincent and Marsha Fabbro -- said it is time to retire.
While travelling is a top priority, there were other factors in the decision to close up shop, including the impacts of the pandemic.
"The most recent changes, of course, is all the shutdowns we have had that created a big deal, which eliminated people coming into the downtown and into the stores for that matter any retail store," said Vincent.
"And then we also have the online shopping which has accelerated because of COVID people staying at home and so on."
Vincent admitted there were other factors too, one of which is the decision to move the arena away from downtown and build the Kingsway Entertainment District.
"First of all, we should have never even have looked at the KED. The arena should have definitely stayed here which is demonstrated in all kinds of communities around the country and even in the States," said Vincent.
William Petten, 75, lives and shops downtown and said he believes a stronger sense of security would help boost business in the downtown core.
"It has potential in the long run, yes, but there is still a lot of work to do," Petten said.
Vincent said she too has faith in the future of downtown.
"Downtown is coming back and we are going to make sure it comes back. And we have got patio programs starting again this summer and so on which is very positive. Get people into the downtown core," said Vincent.
She said the store will close sometime next month but there is still a possibility of El Mercado opening back up under new management with a location yet to be determined.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.