Downtown Edmonton retailers dig in amid rash of restaurant closures: ‘Not going anywhere’

Retailers in downtown Edmonton are digging in their heels, determined to weather the storm of recent restaurant closures that are impacting the city's core. Businesses across various sectors are feeling the effects, but long-standing establishments like Audrey's Books, with over 50 years in the area, are emphasizing their commitment to staying put.

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We were affected by the design and construction of the huge park behind us and the apartment buildings that were being built, that sort of thing.

These businesses face a familiar set of challenges, including issues with accessibility, disruptive construction projects like the O-day'min Park development and the Valley Line LRT, and persistent concerns about downtown safety. These factors, according to the Downtown Revitalization Coalition, deter people from visiting the area. The coalition has urged city council to implement emergency measures, arguing that current city efforts are insufficient.

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It’s always sad to see businesses leave downtown, but at the same time, we’re still seeing more come in and we’re seeing more expand.

Heather Thomson, vice-president of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, supports the coalition's call to action, noting a concerning trend where two businesses close for every one that opens downtown. Coun. Anne Stevenson acknowledged the ongoing efforts and significant investment in downtown recovery since the pandemic, stating that while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go.

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I think that we are seeing some small improvements, but I just think we need to make greater efforts to expedite the situation.

Jordan Singer, owner of the luxury menswear store Henry Singer, echoed the sentiment for greater efforts to expedite improvements. His business, a downtown fixture for over 85 years, also seeks enhanced accessibility and a greater sense of safety for visitors. Singer stressed the vital importance of a vibrant downtown core and the crucial support that customers provide to small businesses.

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For us, we’d love to see more accessibility, a sense of safety for folks coming into downtown.