Kim Waterson said it is not easy being a small business owner in this day and age.
The longtime owner of Newmarket’s Bradford Beauty Supplies has been a fixture supplying hair and beauty products to salons and consumers throughout the area.
But after more than three decades in business, Waterson said customers have dried up, something she blames on the rise of online shopping.
“I wasn’t planning to retire this early, but it’s kind of forced me,” the Innisfil resident said. “It’s bittersweet.”
Waterson is closing down the Newmarket business after 37 years. Long located at 17817 Leslie St. after moving from Bradford, the business has supplied Newmarket and area stylists and the public for years.
Waterson said the pandemic hurt business, but things have become even less busy now than they were before the pandemic. She got an offer on the building and although she tried to sell the business as is, a poor Christmas season was the end of it.
The business is family-run, with Waterson having taken it over from her father. She said the customer base has made it an operation worth running.
“The customers are great. Hairdressers are really great people, and I’ve got some great customers,” she said. “It’s just I love what I do.”
Dozens of people commented on Waterson’s Facebook post announcing a liquidation sale. She plans to close her doors on March 14.
“I don’t know what I would have done without you all these years. Your knowledge and kindness will be missed,” one local hairstylist said on Facebook.
“This is so very sad. Kim, thanks so much for all the great products, fantastic deals and awesome service over the years,” one local said.
“Everybody’s disappointed that I’m closing,” Waterson said. “Lots of hugs, lots of sad faces.”
The prices the larger suppliers like Amazon can offer make it impossible for small businesses like hers, Waterson said.
Still, retirement is on the horizon for the 66-year-old. Although she said it is sooner than imagined, she will spend some time travelling and working on her garden.
“Sincere thanks for all the support over the many years,” she said. “I’ll be very sad not to see your faces on a regular basis.”