The owners of three independent grocery stores in B.C.’s Lower Mainland say they can no longer afford the costs of operating brick-and-mortar businesses.
CTV News heard similar stories about the struggle to stay afloat from an affordable butcher shop in Chilliwack, a seafood store in Burnaby and a fruit and vegetable market in North Vancouver – all set to shutter in the coming days.
Tydel Foods in Chilliwack opened four years ago and was geared to support locals struggling with rising inflation and provide meals to those most in need.
This week, the owner, Brigida Crosbie announced the store can no longer afford a 25 per cent bump in costs from a supplier while also paying employees and keeping the lights on.
Tydel Foods goal was to keep meat prices between 20 to 35 per cent below the larger grocery stores but it is no longer possible.
Crosbie explained that the business has lost over $500,000 and they no longer have anything give form their own pockets to keep the business alive.
“I just felt like my spiritual faith kind of brought me into that place and made me be here and do the right thing, which I’m passionate about,” said Crosbie with tears in her eyes.
“I have a love for people, for me to retire and do something that I was passionate about is a gift.”
Crosbie went on to tell CTV News that her intention is to keep providing meals through an appointment-only service and to take online orders to avoid operating costs and maintain low prices. Details about where to donate can be found on their website tydelfoods.ca.
The storefront is expected to close on April 16.
Fresh Ideas Start Here in Burnaby is also shutting down and shifting after nearly two decades.
The owner, Jenice Yu, says the instability and rising costs of running a business in B.C., has led them to look for alternatives.
Yu explained that to keep the business afloat they are moving their entire business model online and shipping meals across the region out of a plant in Richmond.
“I grew up in the fish industry, so I’d like to stay in this industry forever. So it will (allow) for me to do that. I have to pivot and change for the longevity,” said Yu.
“I think we’ll be able to manage the business better and keep the cost down, reach more people, so everybody can eat more seafood.”
The Burnaby store front will be closing at the end of April.
Columbus Farm Market in North Vancouver announced it also shutting down operating after decades. The owner, Peter Young, told CTV on Tuesday that the reasons are similar to the others, citing rising operating costs and declining demand.
