An independent retailer in Petrolia, Cash and Carry Feed Bin, and two other local businesses, have been served a sudden eviction notice to make way for a big box pet supply competitor.
Cash & Carry Feed Bin, a staple of the Petrolia community for over 30 years, has been served a sudden eviction notice, to make way for a corporate competitor. The local, independent retailer of pet and agricultural supplies was given 30 days notice at the end of March to vacate their location.
Two neighbouring businesses in the same plaza, Petrolia Foot Clinic and Digital Ink Graphics and Printing received identical eviction notices.
The abrupt decision has left these businesses scrambling to find appropriate new commercial space and relocate their inventory.
They are purportedly being evicted to make room for a Pet Valu franchise. The Pet Valu franchise page shows that the big box store does indeed have plans to move to that location.
All of the tenants allege that the landlord, Brett Griffith, was aware of the impending deal with Pet Valu when he purchased the property in August 2024, but did not disclose it. They say he did not give them an opportunity to update or renew their lease, which therefore continued on a month-to-month basis.
The Journal reached out to Griffith for comment, but did not receive a reply at the time of publication.
A statement from the property management company, Guardian Real Estate Management Inc. says they “and the Landlord empathize with the challenges faced by the Tenants. The Landlord has provided each of the Tenants with proper notice and has complied with all legal requirements. Guardian and the Landlord sincerely wish these Tenants all the best in the future.”
Sherrill Martin, owner of the Petrolia Foot Clinic says, “It was a shock to be evicted with 30 days notice,” she says. “You just don’t move a medical practice that quickly.”
Danielle Wood, owner of Digital Ink Graphics and Printing, says, “When you’re hit with something that fast and unexpected, it’s really defeating in a lot of ways. I’m a single mom, and this is a huge financial hit for me to have to shut my doors for a good week or so to move all my equipment. Even if it was 60 days’ notice, it would have given us a little bit more time to find alternative locations.”
“They gave us the minimum notice they were legally required to,” says Josh McDonald, spokesperson for the McDonald family who own and operate the Cash & Carry Feed Bin. “Yes, he’s within the law, but morally or ethically, we thought he would have approached it differently.”
Both Wood and McDonald reported that the landlord said he may be flexible about the move date, but only to the point of granting an extension of a few days up to a week.
Cash & Carry was founded nearly 40 years ago by Lloyd and Helen Mcdonald who also owned and operated the Brigden Feed Mill. Lloyd passed away in January and Helen, at 80 years old, remains the owner of the Petroia business, which has been a reliable tenant in its current location for more than 30 years.
Having a corporate competitor take over their location has the McDonald family a little worried. “Time will tell how that plays out,” says Josh McDonald. “There aren’t too many locations that are as good as the one Pet Valu will be taking. Often people choose convenience over the local option.”
However, he says that they are fortunate to have a customer base for their agricultural feed supplies that Pet Valu will not compete for.
The community has rallied in support, with a Facebook video explaining the situation amassing over 80,000 views and 1,000 shares, along with countless messages of encouragement.
“I knew that I needed to get the word out about what was happening to Cash & Carry and our small business neighbours, but I was not expecting the response we got from the community. We were absolutely blown away by everyone’s support,” said Josh McDonald.
Community members have offered storage space, realtors have stepped up to help find a new location, and loyal customers have vowed to stand by the affected businesses.
“It’s really amazing to see the community support,” says Danielle Wood. “It gives me all the reasons to keep doing what I’m doing.”
Fortunately, the three businesses have found new spaces, though they may not be permanent or ideal.
“With the community’s continued support,” says Josh McDonald, “We remain hopeful that Cash & Carry Feed Bin and the other affected businesses will emerge stronger than ever.”
link