From: NACS
Ontario Convenience Store Coalition Kicks Off ‘Save Our Stores’ Campaign
The group points to contraband tobacco and excessive red tape as top reasons for convenience store closures.
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The Ontario Korean Businessmen’s Association (OKBA), the largest organization of independent convenience stores in the province, is spearheading the campaign. Over the last 10 years, more than 500 OKBA members have closed down their businesses as a result of the ever-worsening business environment in Ontario.
“Without a change in government, or a massive change in policy and priorities, more stores will close and the dream of a better life in Canada will end for many more independent store owners,” said Don Cha, OKBA general manager. “Most convenience store owners are hard-working immigrants who invest their life savings and work seven days a week to build a better life for themselves and their families here in Ontario. But increasingly they are watching that dream slip away because of harmful policies enacted by the current provincial government.”
