Three Local Businesses Close Due to COVID19 Shutdown

Many people are concerned about the long-term impact of the economic shutdown. We are starting to see this occur at the local level through the degradation of independently run stores and restaurants. These local shops are what make cities special and unique, and their loss could permanently change the welcoming and personal connection within the community. Here are the stories of three independent businesses in the local area that are closing long-term due to the shutdown.

A Touch of Scotland, a popular gift shop in St. Jacobs for almost 45 years has announced they will be closing. As one of the only original stores still standing in St. Jacobs it started as a place to buy wool, and eventually evolved into a shop selling items rich in Scottish heritage. It will continue to sell online through its website, but its token physical storefront is closing for good. Their online store is currently offering free delivery for orders over $50 in the K-W area, which will likely be hand delivered by the owner herself.

Dis-A-Ray Antiques opened in downtown Guelph over 10 years ago by Ray Mitchell. Over the past few years the regular customers of university students, low-income residents and antiquity fans has been slowing dwindling. Ray attributes this to gentrification and the opioid crisis which together created a really bad business economy downtown. The economic shutdown was the final blow as he is closing the doors for good at the end of May. Dis-A-Ray Antiques was unable to qualify for any of the relief funds available for small businesses mainly due to the store not having any employees.

At The Crossroads has been serving hearty home-style cooked buffet and menu dining in Elmira for 24 years. A popular stop for tourists on the way to St Jacob's Market and for local diners, it was a staple in the Elmira community. Last month the owners announced its closure due to the economic shutdown. In a post on their Facebook page, the owners said they were unable to stay afloat during the sudden and forced closure in the long-term.

What do you think?
How will the loss of these local businesses change our community?
What are your memories of A Touch of Scotland, Dis-A-Ray Antiques, & At The Crossroads?
Is the economic shutdown destroying independent living?