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After 37 years, the owners of Cindy’s Garden in Kingsville are closing because they say the business is no longer viable.
Jason Martin, owner of the home and garden store, said sales are down 40 per cent and costs have gone up roughly the same amount since COVID.
“If it was one or the other, we could have probably mitigated, but it’s both at the same time,” said Martin. “You can only take on so much water.”
Friday marked the beginning of the store’s closing sale.
Martin said it’s a difficult time to run a small business in the current economy.
“We sell things people want, not things people need,” said Martin. “Grocery stores, and hydro, and gas bills are coming before us. At the end of the month there’s just not enough money left for people.”
Cindy’s in Kingsville will close on March 29, 2026 after 37 years in business. (Jason Viau/CBC)
The parking lot was packed with cars and people waited more than an hour in line to cash out on Friday afternoon.
Gail Pillon has been shopping at Cindy’s since it opened in 1989.
She said it’s much more than just a store and was “shocked” to learn it will be closing.
“I come to see my girls before it closes. I come all the time, sometimes just to see the girls. You walk in this store and you’re not just a number. They know your name,” said Pillon.
“I have people in North Bay that come down here to go shopping. People come from all over to come to Cindy’s. It’s the place to be,” she added.
Gail Pillon said she’s been shopping at Cindy’s in Kingsville since it opened in 1989. (Jason Viau/CBC)
Roughly 30 to 40 people work at Cindy’s, depending on the season.
“It’s a sad day. We love coming here. We love our employees. We love our customers,” said Martin.
Cindy’s final day in business is set for March 29.
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