Closing Business
Dear Cherished Customers and Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I share some significant news with you all: Handfashioned Fine Craft will be closing its doors in the next couple of months. End of February at the earliest and end of March at the latest.
When we opened our doors early in 2023 it was with great hope and optimism. We were thrilled with the community we found and looked forward to becoming a friendly neighbourhood store. We were off to a great start. The support was phenomenal and the word of mouth we received was the best gift one could even receive.
Month after month sales increased as more people discovered us and loved the what we loved: Exceptional works of Craft by fellow Canadians. Christmas holiday season was a dream come true we did so well. We were so thankful.
Then 2024 arrived…
… and it was like we walked through a portal into an alternative universe.
Sales plummeted. That was to be expected in January but, as this was my first, I did not know how much was normal but, I did not expect it to remain like that.
After January, instead of starting to increase, it declined some more and then flatlined. Month after month after month it did not budge.
We certainly did not sit around as we soon could tell the vibe was completely different and something was wrong. We tried expanding our customer base, expanded our offerings and found other business opportunities. We tripled our marketing budget and expanded our marketing tools.
Month after month after month nothing changed. The flat line did not budge.
The only change was in one area and this is where this whole year became surreal.
The number of people coming to our website increased exponentially. We watched the numbers climb until we were getting multiple thousands per week coming to our website BUT WITH NO CHANGE TO SALES AT ALL!!!
We certainly did not give up. Ideas begat ideas and we never ran out of them. By the time the end of the year came around, with no change in that flat line, we ran out of money and therefore time.
There was a week economy this year that affected people’s perception of how well off they were. We saw article after article in the Financial Post saying…
“Retail sales are down every month this year”
“People are putting money into their savings at unprecedented levels not seen in decades. If they have any discretionary funds they are saving it”
“Small business bankruptcies are up 38% over last year”
“4 out of 5 people will be spending less this Christmas Season”
“We are in a Vibecession”
“More than a Vibecession but an actual recession but immigrant numbers have masked it.”
“People are planning on spending less in 2025”
Then Trump got elected. He who creates such instability and uncertainty that people hunker down and become more cautious about what they spend.
Then the Canada Post Strike.
As we are a luxury and not an necessity we are the kind of business that suffer during times such as these. As we were still in the start-up phase of a new business there was no buffer to withstand such a lengthy event.
This dream has come to an end.
I am 60 years old and my life savings is gone. Now I have to shed this idea I have of myself as an entrepreneur and business owner, firmly chose this door behind me, and look around at the new doors that are opening around me.
I will not build a shrine at this door. Once it is closed I will walk away through the next door and never look back.
With all my heart, I want to thank you for your unwavering support throughout this incredible journey. The encouragement and support I received from so many in this community has meant the world to me.
As I close this door and prepare for what lies ahead, I carry with me the cherished memories of this experience and the excitement for the future. Thank you for everything, and here’s to the lasting legacy of Handfashioned Fine Craft.
With warmest regards,
Kim Koerner
P.S. This video popped up on my Youtube page and it seemed to be talking to me as this philosophy has always been mine.
STAY IN TOUCH!
Be the first to find out about special offers, exciting events and inspiring new artisan craft. Subscribe to our mailing list and receive 15% off your next purchase.