For decades, the shop in the corner unit of the Victoria and Bruce streets plaza has been a party supply store.
The bright yellow sign remained even after the original owner closed his business and the current owners, Bina and Ashok Patel, opened their own version. Now, after 20 years, the Patels are set to close the Victoria Party Store.
Bina spoke to 570 NewsRadio and said one day, a customer approached and said they were interested in using the space to open a medical clinic.
She said her and husband had to make a tough decision.
“We decided it’s good to give back to the community what the community gave to us. They kept us alive for a good 25 years in all our retail businesses. So this is something we are returning back to the community. You know, a walk-in clinic is very important for people who do not have a doctor.”
Bina said it’s not like the business is struggling. In fact, it’s doing very well.
She said retirement is something she and her husband have been considering for a while. Even their family had been putting pressure on them to take a break. But, because the store is doing so well and they didn’t want to close for no reason.
“Our kids also wanted us to get retired because they’ve been watching Mommy and Daddy work hard their whole life. They say ‘Mommy, Daddy please take this opportunity and give them the chance to open a nice clinic, which is good for the community as well. And, it’s also good for you because then you have a good tenant for many, many years.'”
The Patels don’t just own the Victoria Party Store, they own the whole plaza, and this confluence of events simply meant the time was right for the them to move on.
The community support and comments since they announced the closure have been overwhelming, said Bina.
She mentioned how multiple generations from the same family have used her store for all their celebratory needs. She spoke about being a part of weddings and anniversaries, birthdays, milestones and celebrations of all kinds.
Bina said some customers have been overcome with emotion after learning the news.
“A few customers came as soon as they heard and they gave us a very tight hug and they actually cried because they don’t want us to leave.” Bina added it’s not just the customers shedding tears.
“I’ve been crying as well because I did not want to leave my customers. I’m not happy that my customers are not getting my service, but when the body says ‘no’ and the brain says ‘yes,’ it’s time for us to move on from this work.”
Bina said she has nothing but love and gratitude for the community and will miss her customers very much.
There is still time to stop by Victoria Party Supply; the last day of operation is Saturday, Oct. 18.
