Longtime western retailer Riley and McCormick to close after opening in 1901

Another Calgary business bites the dust, and this time the economic downturn takes out an iconic local retailer.

After being in business since 1901 in Calgary, Riley and McCormick is closing at the end of the month, because of a few tough years in business.

Owner Brian Guichon says the store took a hit during the 2013 flood, then the economy started slumping in the midst of a couple poorly attended Calgary Stampedes.

“We continue to believe that the western lifestyle will always be important in Calgary and Alberta,” Guichon said. “We believe in that continuing on. In our business situation, it just was not the best time to continue.”

He said lack of business during the Stampede hurt the bottom line.

“The last couple of years have been very difficult. We’ve had two not really great Stampedes. This one specifically was a pretty tough one. We took a hit back in 2013 with the flood and we’ve been recovering from then. And then in 2015, the economy hasn’t helped,” he added.

The store is blowing out its merchandise with up to 70 per cent off items until August 30th.

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