Thousands rally to support Airdrie business following sudden closures

AIRDRIE (660 NEWS) – Is Airdrie the place to grow your business? Some residents are wondering after two popular businesses shut down last week.

Award-winning restaurant Hayloft and craft beer store Thumbprint closed their doors last weekend.

On its Facebook page, the owners of Thumbprint cited reasons such as the economy and high operating costs for the closure.

Over the past couple of years, several businesses including Yeehaw, a children’s play centre, OC Archery Range, and ice cream parlour Chill closed for similar reasons.

Mayor Peter Brown said he was discouraged by the closures but states it’s not just an Airdrie problem.

“Competition has crept in, the economy has not been great. It’s unfortunate for sure and very disheartening and I know a lot of people have been concerned.”

Entrepreneur Courtney Rose owns a body-piercing store in Airdrie and says the fear of closing is always on her mind.

“It is a daily struggle for all of us to be seen or heard. The idea and the threat of closure are definitely scary for every single business owner.”

Rose adds many in the business community struggle with high lease rates and operating costs but Mayor Brown adds, those costs are no different from other cities.

“They’re market-driven. If I’m the owner of a building and I’m not renting my place out, I’m lowering my lease rates to attract business. I think you’re going to see more of that in the near future.”

Despite the closures and worries, thousands are being proactive, choosing to support more businesses instead of pointing fingers and laying blame.

Rose started a Facebook page, Shop Local: Airdrie following the Hayloft closure.

“The response from the community has been incredible.”

In the three days after it launched, the group had nearly 4,000 members. That number has jumped to almost 6,000.

Rose is encouraged by the support and says it shows the city and its hard-working spirit, something she refuses to relinquish.

“I work so incredibly hard and there are so many people that are depending on me that I can’t have that be the end-all for my business, I will do whatever it takes.”