Bill's Glass

Bill's Glass was probably one of the oldest businesses on Main Street since they started out way back in 1977. So in 2019 that made them 42 years old. The picture I took of their shop back in late 2014 shows the storefront as I like to remember it. A little bit old and funky with the hand painted signage and the guitars in the window which were of course made of glass! This one photograph was the impetus for me to start photographing more storefronts around the neighbourhood and the across the city as well.

Since 2014 much has changed on Main Street and all over Mount Pleasant. When a big real estate developer calls the area where you live "the hottest neighbourhood in Vancouver" you know changes will be on the way. Of course depending on what you do this could be a blessing or a curse. For many businesses the changes in the neighbourhood mean higher taxes and rents. So in 2017 Bill's updated their storefront with a more modern look. As the area seemed to be upscaling they finally decided to change with the times.

But at the end of July in 2019 Bill's suddenly closed up shop. The business is still going but a sign in the window said they were closing their retail store as they were overworked and under staffed. They even retired their main phone number as well suggesting the best way to contact them was through email. I'm sure there's more to the story as there have been many sudden business closures in Mount Pleasant throughout 2019.

 Some other casualties in 2019 included Don't Argue Pizza (sold to new owners), Kea Foods, Kam's Bakery and Restaurant, as well as the Nice Cafe on East 8th. I'm sure skyrocketing taxes are most likely to blame. Kea Foods reportedly had to pay $50,000.00 in City taxes last year. That's pretty tough for small business owners who are probably stretched just trying to make a go of things.