Saskatoon business closing after 43 years

A Saskatoon business is closing its doors after more than four decades in the city.

The Awl Shoppe has been operating in Saskatoon for 43 years.

The business has been known for repairing jackets and shoes, as well as selling luggage gear.

“If COVID didn’t happen, we would be staying open,” said store manager Alyssa Byrns. “We hope eventually we will be able to reopen in a smaller space. This hurts.

“A lot of the stuff we carry is very unique to us, it’s products and services that you won’t really find throughout the province.”

The business had its grand opening in 1977, offering shoe shines and coffee and doughnuts to customers who attended the grand opening.

The struggling tourism industry was the nail in the coffin for Awl, as people have had less of a reason to buy travel supplies.

“At the end of the day, we need to sell product and it just wasn’t happening in June or July,” Byrns said. “You won’t get the same level of service at a larger box store; it doesn’t compare to shopping local.”

The Awl Shoppe will be open until Aug. 28.