A business that has been in Orillia for more than 30 years will shut down at the end of August.
Farbricland’s lease at the Fittons West Plaza expires Aug. 31. That’s when it will shut its doors.
Regional manager Kathy Beck said the business tried to negotiate a “better deal” with the landlord, but they did not come to an agreement.
“We’re always open to the possibility of a new location, but it’s difficult to find enough space in Orillia for (an affordable price),” she said, noting 24,000 square feet would be ideal.
Beck also said the store’s “sales versus expenditures just isn’t jibing.”
There are more than a dozen staff members at the store. They have been offered positions at Fabricland in either Barrie or Bracebridge.
“For some of the ladies here, this is the only job they’ve had. They’ve worked here their whole lives and they might not want to drive to Barrie or Bracebridge,” said an employee who did not want her name used.
Some customers, she added, have said, "'What are we going to do? I don’t drive.’ A lot of our customers are elderly.”
She said customers have been “stockpiling” material since the closure was announced. Charlotte Hulland is one of them.
“We’re going to have to go too far to get it. It’s not convenient,” she said. “They’re pushing shoppers out of Orillia.”
Hulland, who stops in at the store about twice a week, has been a customer there for more than 20 years.
“It’s sad,” she said of the closure. “They’re all like friends. I hope the girls all find some work.”
Beck encourages anyone with leads on a large space that might be available to contact the store.
