The Olde Disguise Home in Acton, Ont. is closing its doorways for good within the new yr.
It’s well-known for its choice of hides and leather-based items from couches and jackets to winter gloves.
“We’ve been buying the leather gloves here at the Acton Hide House for years and now that its the end of the era we are stocking up on them,” mentioned a consumer on Wednesday.
A few of the objects inside the shop on Oct. 30, 2024. (/Krista Sharpe)
The constructing the place it sits has a 165-year historical past whereas the retail portion has been round for 44 years.
“I have travelled all over the world and I’ve had people come up to me when I say where I am from and they say, ‘its worth the drive to Acton,” Halton Regional Councillor Clark Somerville mentioned, referring to the shop’s slogan.
Near a dozen workers will likely be out of a job as soon as the shop closes. Workers mentioned they haven’t been instructed a definitive purpose for the closure.
“I have worked here for 32 years. I am on my 33rd year. It’s very emotional. It has been a big part of my life and a big part of Acton. I am sure I am going to miss all my customers,” mentioned Elizabeth McHugh, an worker.
The constructing itself is a novel and delightful wood maze.
It began as a uncooked conceal warehouse in 1899 then it grew to become a tannery earlier than evolving right into a retail retailer. At one level there was additionally a restaurant.
“I worked here in the restaurant that was here, Jack Tanners Table as a kitchen manager. Started there in about 1981,” mentioned Councillor Somerville.
The Disguise Home was additionally a flight line retailer at one level.
It was as soon as thought of a household enterprise however was offered to out-of-towners a few years in the past.
The constructing shares its car parking zone with the Acton Go Station – an indication of the altering occasions.
“Our retail landscape has lost a lot of great businesses over the years, and we’re losing another one,” mentioned Somerville.
The shop is now within the arms of liquidators. Any leftover stock after the shop closes in January is anticipated to be put up for public sale.
In keeping with the shop’s web site, there will likely be a liquidation sale that begins on Nov. 1.
