The parcel + prose stationery boutique is closing at the end of July due to challenges its owner said stemmed primarily from a costly pandemic loan — though this may not be the end of the store.
edmonton.taproot.news
Losey said the CEBA repayment was the main factor behind her decision to close the shop, which she opened in January 2017. But she pointed out other factors that played a role, too, including what she said is dissatisfaction with the
124 Street and Area Business Association. Losey said she “100%” feels the organization could provide more support in exchange for the member dues she paid through a tax levy.
“I know I’m not alone (among business owners) in asking for things that they could do to help us,” Losey said. “They always say they’re ‘Working on things, and things are going to get better, and we’re doing this, and we’re doing that,’ but we don’t really see any of that, so I’m not sure how much of it actually happens.”
The business association is one of 13
business improvement areas that are partly funded through the City of Edmonton. It organizes commerce-generating events such as the
All is Bright festival, provides a business directory, promotes businesses on the
@shop124street Instagram account, and offers a parking guide, among many other things. A summary of its 2023 work is in
its annual report submitted to city council on June 19. The report details that the organization accessed $35,000 in savings in 2023 to avoid forcing a levy increase onto its members.
The association did not respond to three requests from Taproot for an interview.
