South Granville Shopping Changes

South Granville Shopping Changes

Few months ago, I was approached by a Freelance Journalist John Kurucz, who happens to live in our South Granville neighbourhood. He shared shocking news with me—news that I had not been informed neither from City of Vancouver or SG BIA. The building right a block up from our store would soon be transformed into a 114-unit supportive housing project. I was devastated, not only for the potential impact on my business but for our safety too.

 

After the article was published by Business in Vancouver (BIV), Global News reached out to me for an interview, eager to cover the situation. You can watch more from the Global News interview here and from the original Business in Vancouver article here.

 

As the co-owner of MOTRATi, a boutique that offers timeless, Italian-designed women’s fashion, I’ve worked hard to build a safe and welcoming environment for our customers. But this news shook me, and the uncertainty that follows leaves me, and many other local business owners, questioning what’s next.

The Impact on Small Businesses

The supportive housing project, located at 1450 West 12th Avenue, will provide much-needed housing for over 100 individuals. While I fully support efforts to house those in need, the lack of communication to local businesses like mine is alarming. We were not told how this would affect our business, our foot traffic, or, more importantly, our safety.

Concerns for Safety and Business Stability

As a small business owner in Vancouver, safety concerns have already been rising. In recent months, South Granville has seen an increase in shoplifting and aggressive behavior. I’ve had personal encounters where I was alone in my store and faced threatening situations from individuals in distressed states. These experiences put not only my safety at risk but also discourage customers from visiting, especially those seeking a peaceful shopping experience.

 

If these issues persist, I—and many other business owners—may have no choice but to consider relocating to ensure we can continue to operate safely and successfully.

MOTRATi’s Resilience Amid Changes

Despite the challenges, at MOTRATi, we remain committed to our customers and community. Our boutique continues to offer high-quality, European-crafted women’s fashion, from elegant dresses for special events to tailored jackets and stylish wide-leg pants for everyday wear. Our focus on timeless, versatile pieces remains unchanged, no matter the circumstances.

Though the changes in South Granville present difficulties, we will continue to provide the same exceptional fashion experience our customers love. We hope that with better communication and support from the City of Vancouver and province, local businesses like ours can adapt to these changes and thrive.

Looking Ahead

As business owners, staying informed about these developments is crucial. The supportive housing project, while important for those in need, brings significant uncertainty for nearby businesses. However, with the right information and support, we hope to weather these changes without losing our place in the community.

 

We invite our customers to support local businesses like MOTRATi as we navigate these challenges together. Visit us in South Granville to explore our latest collections of timeless women’s fashion. Shop local, make a global statement, and help us keep the heart of South Granville alive.

Read more about the BC Housing project and its impact on small businesses in Vancouver from Business in Vancouver here.

A heartfelt thank you to John for sharing this news with me and helping to spread it through BIV and Global News, reaching not just our neighborhood but also people across Vancouver and BC.