Pickering Markets, the largest indoor flea market and antique mall in Ontario, is closing its doors for good after 47 years of business, giving vendors 30 days to vacate the premises.
"COVID-19 has taken its toll on so many small businesses and we were no exception to its cruel effects," read a letter posted on the Pickering Markets website and social media pages. "We feel for every single business that has or is going through these tough decisions. For us, this was not an easy decision that came lightly."
Operators and vendors of the market, Jackie and Henry Jones, who also run the Roadshow 400 Antiques Market in Innisfil are devastated after hearing the news on Saturday morning.
The couple sublets to antique vendors at the Pickering Markets and in total have 100 spaces with 60 showcases.
"We are devastated right now," said a teary Jackie. "It feels like a punch in the gut."
They acknowledged the difficulties with COVID but maintain they had done well all things considered.
Due to the closure, 12 of their employees at Pickering Markets will be out of a job come Jan. 26.
"This is heartbreaking for everyone concerned. We have been in the Pickering Market location for almost eight years. Just so sad, more people losing jobs," said Jackie.
To complicate matters, due to the province-wide lockdown, vendors are not able to clear out any of their inventory with blowout sales and must remove all their items from the market over the next four weeks. The market will remain open daily to allow the vendors to empty their spaces.
Jackie says she is "blessed" with wonderful staff, who, although know they are out of a job next month, is continuing to stay on and help the vendors pack their booths and vacate.
"They don't deserve this," said Jackie about her employees in Pickering, "they're like family."
The couple wants to reassure their Simcoe area customers that their market in Innisfil isn't going anywhere.
"We are fortunate to have our ongoing business at The 400 Market - Roadshow’s 400 Antiques Mall, however, we are closed due to the lockdown and hopefully opening this location at end of January if okay by the Ontario Government," said Jackie.
The couple has been in the antique business since 1995 when they opened their first shop, Cookstown Castle Antiques Centre.
