Coffee shop shutters doors in Kensington citing economic struggles
Posted Dec 1, 2019 7:17 pm.
Last Updated Dec 1, 2019 7:28 pm.
CALGARY – A Kensington coffee shop is calling it quits, citing Calgary’s economic climate as the main reason it cannot go on.
The Second Cup in the northwest boutique shopping area closed Saturday night, leaving a sign on the door for patrons looking for a cup of joe.
“Regretfully, due to the state of the economy and business circumstances, it has become impossible for us to continue our franchise operation,” reads the notice.
“And due to unpreventable circumstances beyond our control, we are left with no choice but to close the business.”
A notice on the door of a Kensington Second Cup location says the business had to close its doors due to the economic situation in Calgary. Dec. 1, 2019. (PHOTO: Kevin Sabiston, CityNews)
The shop thanked its customers for their support at the end of the note.
A Starbucks in the area closed mere months ago, along with a handful of other stores that have shuttered shop doors over the last year.
Some wondered if the revolving door of businesses in the popular shopping district was just natural turnover or if it pointed to widespread economic struggles. The Kensington Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) had insisted earlier this fall the community was still an attractive spot to do business.
And other retailers, including a dispensary, have scooped up the hot real estate left vacant.
WATCH: Natural turnover or a sign of the times?
In a previous interview, Kensington BRZ’s Anne MacInnis told CityNews she had heard from other interested landlords ready to take over empty properties.
She added Kensington is one of the most resilient business areas in town, touting tourists and shoppers even on days with less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Calgary city council voted to lessen the tax burden on businesses on Friday.
-with files from Crystal Laderas
