A popular market in Chatham has decided to close its doors after decades of operation.
Charlie Huls, who is the owner of Dutch Market Ltd, told CK News Today the reason for the closure was because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Any time a business closes in Chatham-Kent, whether they’ve been open for a year or 40 years, it’s unfortunate," said Stuart McFadden, Director of Chatham-Kent Economic Development and Tourism Services. "We’re sad to see the Dutch Market go, but we’re confident in the future of Chatham’s downtown."
According to McFadden, the business landscape in Chatham-Kent has seen a dramatic change since the pandemic.
More businesses have moved online and people's spending habits have shifted.
But despite that, the municipality continued to see growth in the past year with over a hundred new businesses in Chatham-Kent.
McFadden said the downtown core is a resilient area that is often quick to fill gaps in service.
"We're unsure what might be going into that location (Dutch Market), but we’re excited to support any business that does," said McFadden. "The building is owned by a group that has invested in other downtown buildings. We're confident that something great will come into the space."
Huls purchased the Dutch Market in 1987 and started out with just three employees. In 1995, Huls moved the store to 544 Queen Street to keep up with its growing wholesale and importing operation and later to Indian Creek Road East.
The business moved in the fall of 2016 to its last and final location on William Street South in downtown Chatham.
"We’d like to extend our thanks to the Dutch Market for the years of service in Chatham-Kent," said McFadden. "They’ve been a mainstay in our community for decades that will certainly be missed."
Businesses feeling pressure are encouraged to reach out to economic development or the Chatham-Kent Small Business Centre.
The Sarnia-Lambton Dutch Market location will remain open.