A family-owned clothing store in Portage la Prairie is closing in January, after a rise in shoplifting created an “unsustainable burden” for the 13-year-old business. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * A family-owned clothing store in Portage la Prairie is closing in January, after a rise in shoplifting created an “unsustainable burden” for the 13-year-old business. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? A family-owned clothing store in Portage la Prairie is closing in January, after a rise in shoplifting created an “unsustainable burden” for the 13-year-old business.
Olina Fashions owner Arishya Aggarwal said theft has become an everyday occurrence, resulting in financial losses and concerns about the safety of staff and customers. “Closing this business wasn’t an easy decision. After 13 years, it became clear that the challenges we faced, especially theft, made it impossible to keep going,” she said.
MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Arishya Aggarwal said there is “no real deterrent” for theft, which hurts businesses and communities. She said the decision was a painful one, because the store and its regular customers have been a huge part of her family’s lives. Her family, which owns multiple businesses in Portage, started to think about shutting Olina Fashions in 2019.
The last day is Jan. 25. “Retail theft was the biggest factor — 100 per cent,” Aggarwal said.
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