THUNDER BAY -- Ed Choquette says the challenge of running a small business in any downtown area of Canada has become more difficult over the years, but he is optimistic for the future of Thunder Bay's north core.
Choquette is preparing to walk away from 35 years as operator of Cathy's Discount Gift Centre on Red River Road.
He has put the business up for sale, and hopes to retire in March.
"Sometimes you just wake up one day and you say 'It's time' " he commented on Friday. Choquette and his wife plan to do more travelling.
Business in the north core has been good, he said, and he appreciates the support he has received over the years.
In an interview, Choquette reflected on the many changes he has seen during his time as a merchant.
"When I first started here, all the storefronts were filled. It was a bustling area."
Since then, Choquette recalled, there were some trying times for the downtown, although he was able to do "very, very well."
One of the ways Cathy's Discount was able to prosper was by staying aware of what consumers were interested in.
"I think we changed with the times," Choquette said. "When brass was popular we sold a lot. Sports cards became hugely popular in the late eighties and early nineties. It was an incredible fad that we were able to capitalize on."
Today the store sells a lot of Thunder Bay-themed souvenirs.
Choquette said it still enjoys a large, loyal customer base.
He said retailers hoping to be successful in any downtown need attractions in the area to bring more customers through the door.
Although he witnessed the demise of Keskus and the closure of Eaton's department store, he believes Thunder Bay's north core can make a comeback, and that the signs are good.
"This has certainly become known as the entertainment core. At nights you can certainly see the movement of people here, so they're definitely headed in the right direction," Choquette said.
He added that good opportunities are available for entrepreneurs in the downtown area. "You have the waterfront. You can't take that away. It will always be there."
Choquette is optimistic he will soon find a buyer who sees the potential.
"I've been shocked at the amount of interest that has been shown," he said, noting that it's despite the fact he hasn't done much to advertise its availability.
