After 21 years, the Meaford Factory Outlet announced it is closing its doors.
The 110,000-square-foot factory outlet featured everything from furniture and home decor to tools, clothing and craft supplies. Since 1999, the outlet has been dedicated to bringing its customers the best products at the lowest prices.
However, with the ever-changing landscape of the retail industry and aging ownership, the business’s double decade-long run is coming to an end.
“We’re sad. It was fun,” said Paul Delleman, the outlet’s manager. “We dealt with a lot of great people, and a lot of great customers.”
As a final farewell, the store is offering 25 per cent off its entire inventory — no exceptions.
The closing sale was announced on June 24, and almost 20 per cent of the outlet’s inventory was sold off over the weekend.
“We’re going to keep selling until it’s gone. People can make us offers on anything, everything is for sale,” said Delleman. “It is moving fast, so we are probably closing sooner rather than later.”
Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the owners already had retirement on their mind and tried unsuccessfully to find a buyer. Then the pandemic hit.
“The owners are worried about a second wave, and were not interested in going through another shut down,” said Delleman.
So with a heavy heart, the decision was made to close.
“We’ve seen a huge pile of very positive feedback from our customers,” said Delleman. “We have always tried our best, it’s unfortunate, but it’s just time I guess ... Unless the government closes us again, we will not close until we close for good."
The outlet is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Delleman encouraged everyone to come out and take advantage of the final sale.
