It took years to make 124 Street in downtown Edmonton the vibrant walk it has become but since the COVID-19 pandemic began, businesses along the stretch and across the city have been forced to close.
The province put in restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 meaning hair salons, clothing stores and more are no longer allowed to be open, and restaurants can provide take out but no in-room dining.
On Tuesday night, during a televised address, Premier Jason Kenney announced the measures would likely be in place until the end of May.
The store, typically busy with sewers comparing fabrics and threads, is now relying solely on phone and online orders.
“It’s just very time consuming. Normally, someone could come in and pick out their own stuff and now… you’re texting them pictures of a blue and they’re like, ‘I don’t like that shade of blue,’” explained St. Pierre.
Across the street, Local 124 is seeing the same.
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The skateboard shop has been on 124 Street for 14 years. Employee Sheldon Lauzon said they resisted going online.
“We’ve prided ourselves on being a face-to-face skate shop instead of online but unfortunately, with the quarantine, we’ve shut our physical doors to the public and we are online now.”
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