Antiques market in St. Jacobs temporarily closing

CTV’s Krista Simpson finds out why a antique market is St. Jacobs is temporarily closing its doors.

A popular antiques market in St. Jacobs is temporarily closing its doors amid financial difficulties.

Vendors at the St. Jacobs Antiques Market on King Street North were told the store will pause sales on March 1.

According to the business’s website, more than 100 unique vendors offer their wares inside the market. It’s also advertised as an option for movie prop rentals.

“I was here Friday and it was pretty packed,” regular customer Caroline Prime told CTV News on Wednesday.

“All the vendors were open, all the booths were open. They were pretty full.”

In emails sent to vendors and shared with CTV News, the business owner said the store’s bank account has been frozen.

The messages also said cheques meant for vendors were returned.

The owner said paying vendors was a priority, and the store’s doors will be shut as the issues are resolved.

CTV News reached out to the antiques market’s management who said the business is going through restructuring and renegotiation.

While the store will be open for a few more days, Prime is already noticing a difference inside.

“I came in today and maybe there’s a couple booths open. A lot of them are shut down - half the vendors are in there packing up their stuff right now,” Prime said.

The store’s owner told vendors in the emails that it’s unclear what the long-term future holds for the business, but updates will be provided once available.

The struggles come as a shock to some, including Prime.

“You couldn’t tell anything was happening or anything was shutting down. It’s wild to see that difference in just a couple of days.”