Samuel & Co. spokesperson cites high rent cost as reason for leaving Champlain Place

Stumble Upon

del.icio.us

Digg

Facebook

Print

Email

speakup

Samuel & Co has relocated to Highfield Square on Moncton's Main Street.

The clothing store had stood in Dieppe's Champlain Place for roughly 10 years, most recently adjacent Pseudio. But when the lease ran out earlier this year, the Halifax-based company decided it was time to make a move, citing rent issues as a major contributing factor in the decision to leave the mall.

About a month ago both stores began to advertise a closing sale. Approximately a week ago, both stores closed their Champlain Place locations.

"I couldn't handle it," said Nancy Holmes owner of Samuel & Co, explaining that because the cost of renting in Champlain Place is one of the highest in the Maritimes she couldn't justify staying in the space.

However, she said that didn't mean she wanted to leave Champlain Place.

"I would have loved to have stayed in the Champlain mall, but they have no space."

So, working around that obstacle, the decision was made to move the store to Highfield Square.

Holme's said the new location was chosen because of the recent development in the downtown area, including the new extension of Vaughn Harvey Boulevard, which has made the area more accessible.

Nevertheless, as far as making Highfield Square a permanent home, Holmes says her mind isn't made up yet.

"If we can get our clientele to follow us we're going to stay," she said. "Betty Reuben's has been there for 10 years and I figured if Betty Reuben's can do well there, why can't we?"

Although cost of rent was an issue for the company, neither Holmes or Champlain Place Manager Phillipe Theriault would divulge how much space rents for in the mall, explaining the lease can differ from store to store.

Pseudio is not scheduled to reopen.