The east end is losing one of its most distinctive home decor stores. On April 1, Inspire on the Danforth will close its doors after 15 years of business.
“We met a lot of interesting people and enjoyed the local support, but it’s simply time to close out this chapter in our life,” owner Damon Chevrier said.
Married for 35 years, he and Laura Ansari have for 15 years run their local boutique, home to unusual objects such as Buddha figurines, fun piggy banks, and hand-carved mango wood vases. They have experienced highs and lows, but their time at the store has given them fond memories that will last forever.
“The people have made it worth it throughout the years,” Ansari said, looking back on her many years in customer service.
However, not all memories are good ones.
Ansari will not forget being robbed twice within a week. She recalled the event as unfortunate. The man in question took money from the cashier but was caught shortly after.
“That is sort of a negative memory, but overall the memories are positive,” Chevrier said.
The store is located in the busy part of the Danforth Mosaic between Donlands and Pape stations. Local traffic has brought in loyal customers throughout the years, who are still supportive in the store’s last season.
“Typically January and February are rather low, but they have been pretty good ever since we announced we are going out of business,” Chevrier said. “There may be some kind of sentimental purchases, right? People show their solidarity by buying something.”
Overall the couple have appreciated the sense of community that running the store has given them.
“We have enjoyed it a great deal, and we’ve met an awful lot of nice people, people that live in the neighbourhood,” Chevrier said.