The economic impact of COVID-19 has claimed yet another long-standing Airdrie business.
Brians Card Shop and Collectibles officially closed its doors June 30 after operating in the city for more than 35 years.
“I was having a tough time as it was, for years now,” said owner Brian Skitch, 69.
“The landlord just didn’t want to work with me, so I had no choice. I’ve used all my own money now and I don’t have any more money to put into the store. My health is pretty bad as well, so it just came down to that.”
Brians opened in the 1980s, Skitch said, although he could not remember the exact year. The store specialized in offering collectibles, greeting cards and unusual mementos, such as Elvis Presley memorabilia.
The retail outlet also sold an assortment of games, models and second-hand books, as well as Pokemon cards, hockey cards, Willow Tree Angel figurines and other gift items.
According to Skitch, the store was mandated to close in mid-March due to the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta. He said financial losses due to the pandemic were the final nail in the coffin for the collectibles shop.
“The expenses still accumulated – they didn’t stop – but there was no money coming in because there were no customers,” he said. “I didn’t want to close, but I have to.”
Saying that retail is "in his blood," Skitch added his goal was always to bring in one-of-a-kind, unique gift items that could not be found elsewhere.
“I’ve been in retail all my life,” he said. “The people of Airdrie, they enjoyed me and they enjoyed the store.
“We offered a service. We were always friendly. I paid the GST. I didn’t charge customers for GST, so I think all the people in Airdrie, they’re sad to see us go.”
Skitch has various health problems – he is unable to walk anymore and has permanent pneumonia, which means he uses an oxygen tank to help him breathe.
Adding to Skitch's own medical hardships, he said, was the emotional turmoil brought on by the death of Paquita, his wife of 40 years who passed away at the end of March shortly after the store was closed due to COVID-19.
“She had dementia for 20 years and she was in the nursing home for the last 10 years,” Skitch said. “She just passed away March 26. She would have been 80 in one month’s time.”
Staff announced the shop's impending closure in early June. A clearance sale took place throughout the month, with various items being sold at 25 to 50 per cent discounts.
With most of its inventory already sold, the store's final day of operations was June 30, Skitch said.
“I’d like to say thanks to the residents of Airdrie and everyone who supported the store,” he said. “To the city as a whole, thank you.”
