One of the iconic businesses of Plaza Saint-Hubert in Montreal, Lozeau, is closing its doors after 95 years of existence. The new owner of the store specializing in photography since April 2019, the Ontario company Henry’s, made the announcement on Tuesday on its website, explaining this “very difficult decision” by “an unfortunate combination of events”.
Posted at 12:32 p.m.
We first mention the COVID-19 pandemic which “has led to a significant reduction in pedestrian traffic”, a problem aggravated by the repair work on the commercial artery which began in 2019. Supply problems at the ‘scale also affected the store.
“Unfortunately, these issues have compounded and it has become difficult to continue to provide the exceptional service that Lozeau customers deserve,” the website says.
Even if customers have come up against a closed door since Tuesday, we assure you that all commitments, including orders to be picked up in store, repairs, gift cards and warranties, will be honored.
Owned by the Lozeau family since its founding in 1927, the shop was acquired three years ago by another company specializing in photography, Henry’s. The latter, however, took shelter from its creditors a year after the transaction, explaining that it wanted to restructure in view of the recovery after the pandemic. Like all non-essential businesses, Henry’s 22 stores have had to endure numerous closures during the pandemic. Henry’s “restructuring” included the closing of seven stores, three in British Columbia and four in Ontario.