Amid downtown closings, one business decides to stay

BELLEVILLE – United Furniture Warehouse on Pinnacle Street is one of three downtown stores about to close. But one business that had previously announced it was moving, PlugnPlayLand, has now decided to stay downtown. Photo by Suzanne Coolen

By Suzanne Coolen

BELLEVILLE – The downtown core has seen several businesses close in the past few months, but one business owner has had a change of heart about moving out.

In November, QNet News reported that the electronics store PlugnPlayLand was closing its Bridge Street store and moving to a location north of downtown.

But Jim Saunders, the owner of PlugnPlayLand, said this week that he has changed his mind about moving and has decided to remain in the downtown location for as long as possible.

“We have a few new services we are offering and are focusing more on a computer service business.” Saunders said.

In the fall, the downtown area lost Giant Tiger and Katrina’s Cakes and Treats. This month Fusion Gifts and Glamour Junkie and bookstore Novel Items For You are planning to close. All four businesses were located on
Front Street.

United Furniture Warehouse, at 315 Pinnacle St., is also closing at the end of this month, but the spot won’t be empty for long. Bibles For Missions, a not-for-profit thrift store, is planning to open at that location in early June.

An information session about the store and volunteering will be held at the  First Pentecostal Church, at 490 Dundas St. W. on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon.