Business owners Dave and Caron Pelletier have decided to close Moosgaw Arts and Gifts on Main Street since they want to focus more on her family and his full-time job.
The gift shop has existed in some form in Moose Jaw since 2003. The Pelletiers opened the store at 304 Main Street 16 years ago, before shutting it down after Mr. Pelletier had open-heart surgery. They then re-opened the store at 220 Main Street about six years ago.
“I thought it was time (to close),” said Mr. Pelletier.
Mrs. Pelletier has been spending more time lately with her parents, who are experiencing health problems, he explained. Meanwhile, he is a full-time employee on the airbase at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. Both aspects have made it difficult for them to be in both places regularly.
The lease for their store also expires in December, so closing the business made sense in their minds, he added. Their current location has treated them well, while some days have been better than others in selling artwork and gifts.
The Pelletiers expect to close their store by the beginning of May.
Mr. Pelletier sold many of his paintings through Moosgaw Arts and Gifts. With the store closing, he has struck a deal to sell his artwork with Canadian Art Prints & Winn Devon Art Group Inc. This is an online wholesale company that “showcases an eclectic mix of incomparable imagery by more than 200 international artists,” according to its website, www.capandwinndevon.com.
“I thought, ‘Well, (closing the store) would give me more time to do some of that stuff,’ which is what I like doing … ,” he said. “It’s tough to sell artwork even at the best of times.”
Working full-time and operating his business on the side does not leave much time for Mr. Pelletier to be creative. He usually works on his paintings on the weekends.
“It tears at you,” said Mr. Pelletier about closing the store. “It’s your baby. It’s your thing you created … We like to promote local (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) artists and photographers too.”
Mr. Pelletier has enjoyed interacting with the customers who have visited the store. He and his wife have met many people from all over the world, with many of those international customers coming back regularly.
“When people come to Moose Jaw, (they) don’t come for Walmart,” he added with a chuckle. “It’s for the little shops. We have one of the nicest Main Streets in Canada to walk up and down.”
