Ottawa children's store closing after 76 years
After 76 years of serving the Ottawa-area, Kiddytown will be closing its doors at the end of February.
In a social media post, the owners of Kiddytown announced it would be closing in the new year.
"It is with heavy hearts after 76 years of serving the Ottawa-area that Kiddytown has decided to close down a pillar of the Ottawa community," said Kiddytown.
"It has been our utmost pleasure to serve each and every one of you over all the years."
The family-owned business opened in 1945, focusing on baby and children's retail products.
Kiddytown says in 1945, Goldie Abramson was walking on Rideau Street when she saw Hunts Candy Shop was closing because of the sugar shortage due to the war.
"She knew that Ottawa was missing a store that catered to the needs of parents and kids, especially during the start of what we now know as the 'Baby Boom'," said Kiddytown on its website.
"The idea of renting that space (all 200 square feet) and starting Ottawa’s baby store was very exciting to Goldie (better known as Mrs. A), her husband Charlie and her brother Hy (or Mr. H). So with borrowed money and an 18 month lease, they opened the doors of Kiddytown Ltd."
Currently, Hy's daughters run the day-to-day operation of the two Ottawa locations.
The social media post mentions retirement as the reason for closing.
"I guess I will leave you with three things: First is a big thank you to all the Hymes daughters you have made your father incredibly proud and have earned a well deserved retirement," said Kiddytown.
"Second there are some incredible deals going on as we are starting to clear out inventory and lastly if anybody has any job opportunities for (Mike) I am open to offers."
At Kiddytown on Thursday, the sisters running the store reflected on its 76-year history in Ottawa as they prepare to close the store in the new year.
"At the end of February our lease is due, so I've decided not to renew it," said Rhea Hymes-Hochstadter.
"I think it could be the right time now."
Speaking with CTV News Ottawa on Thursday, Hymes-Hochstadter says issues during the pandemic, including long hours, difficulty hiring staff and supply chain challenges have been a challenge.
Hymes-Hochstadter adds her children were not interested in taking over.
"And my sister's children also. So, there's no succession plan."
Rhea's sister Barbara Elvinson says she will miss "certain aspects" of the retail store. Elvinson remembers her father's approach to customer service.
"(When) times were tough, people could just carrying their bills until they could afford to pay; we’ve heard unbelievable stories over the years from customers as to what my father did for people.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Breast cancer screening should start at age 40, Canadian Cancer Society says
The Canadian Cancer Society says all provinces and territories should lower the starting age for breast cancer screening to 40.
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels is on the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
RateMDs violates privacy of health professionals, class-action lawsuit claims
A lawsuit against RateMDs has been given the go-ahead by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who found the claim that the website violates the privacy rights of medical professionals is not 'bound to fail.'