ST. PAUL – The closure of Peavey Mart locations across Canada has left some St. Paul residents disappointed.
St. Paul is among a handful of Peavey Mart locations in northeastern Alberta. The other nearest locations are in Vermilion and Vegreville.
Outside the store in St. Paul, Lakeland This Week asked some shoppers how they felt about the farm and ranch retail announcing it would be closing down. Most expressed disappointment.
Blake Collins said he has lived in St. Paul his entire life, noting that Peavey Mart has been in St. Paul for many years.
"I remember when it wasn't here before," he recalled, referring to how the store was previously located on the far western side of town.
"I hate to see it go," said Collins.
Jim Cole, who was also born in St. Paul, echoed a similar sentiment. “[I] hate to see them go, hate any businesses going away," he said.
Residents also expressed their thoughts to Lakeland This Week on social media.
Jana Wheeler, a regular shopper, wrote she was disappointed at the news also.
“I shop at Peavey [Mart] weekly," from chicken feed, sheep minerals, to dog food, she said.
Melissa Laurie said she shopped at Peavey Mart for her gardening supplies.
“They have good potting soil available in [big] bags long before the other stores," she said. "It’s the only place I can find big bags of worm castings."
Laurie also commended the staff at the St. Paul location for always being very helpful, "and [who] will offer to help you out to your vehicle if needed."
Crystal Girard commented that Peavey Mart was also her source of dog food.
“We always buy our dog food there," she said, adding, the store sells items that are difficult to find elsewhere. "I also buy my work scrubs from them, which are hard to find at a decent price."
“[I'm] really sad that we are losing a long-standing Canadian-owned store," wrote Girard.
When Lakeland This Week reached out to the St. Paul Peavey Mart, staff declined comment.
Background
On Jan. 27, Peavy Mart announced it would officially close down all 90 of its stores, as well as its six MainStreet Hardware locations across the nation – obtaining Initial Order for creditor protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA).
Peavey Mart attributes challenges such as "record-low consumer confidence, inflationary pressures, rising operating costs, and ongoing supply chain disruptions," as being the reason for the closures. "These factors have created significant obstacles for businesses like Peavey."
Peavey Mart has a nearly 60-year history in Canada, serving mostly rural communities.
"Through it all, we have remained committed to the values that define us. For decades, Peavey Mart has supported local events, funded charities, and worked to strengthen the communities we call home. If you’ve ever benefited from one of our partnerships or seen the impact of our initiatives, we humbly ask for your continued support to help us work through this challenging time," reads a statement released earlier in the week.
