A local business and popular attraction will be closing its doors later this month after 20 years.
Pebbles and the Scratch Patch at Mineral World will be selling off any remaining merchandise over the month and plan to close their doors on Sept. 30.
“It’s something we’ve been thinking about for a long time,” explained The Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa General Manager, Natalie King.
“There comes a point in the lifecycle of any business when you have to make a decision on its financial viability.”
The store, which was bought by the Sidney Waterfront Partnership in 2008, moved into its current location across the street from the hotel in 2010. It was rebranded as Pebbles in 2011 and expanded to include more giftware and jewellery.
“The business had been operating at a loss for some time,” said King, who attributes the decline in business to an abundance of other great shopping spots on Beacon.
“There’s so many great gift stores, especially on lower Beacon. Part of being successful in Sidney is finding that unique niche,” she said, adding that the rock and Scratch Patch portion of the business was indeed unique, but it wasn’t enough to keep the business operating above a loss.
“We’re really optimistic that we’re going to find great tenants for the space. Lower Beacon is so vibrant and we’re really excited about what’s going on down here,” she said.
In-store discounts, currently ranging from 30 to 70 per cent, will continue and increase until the last day of business, King said.
reporter@peninsulanewsreview.com