After more than 30 years in business, Columbus Farm Market in Edgemont will close its doors in June 2025. The decision comes as owner Peter Young faces mounting financial pressures, including rising rent, declining revenue and an increase in grocery stores in the area.
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Peter’s family originally owned the property, allowing him to operate the market with minimal rent costs. However, that changed two and a half years ago when the property was sold to new owners, which meant higher lease payments. “When you own the property, you get a family discount,” Peter said. “But when you sell to investors, they want a return on their investment. Rent went up, labour costs keep increasing, utilities keep going up, and at the same time, revenue is steadily declining.”
A shift in consumer habits has also contributed to the market’s struggles. While long-time residents traditionally shopped in brick-and-mortar stores, newer generations tend to buy groceries online or from specialty stores. Other grocery stores have also cropped up close by.
Peter’s parents bought the property in the late 1960s and ran Queen’s Market, a small corner store, until their retirement in 1988. In the early 1990s, a family friend launched Columbus Farm Market on the same site, and Peter took over operations in 2010. “Back then, business was booming,” Peter recalled. “There was less competition—no Walmart, no Thrifty Foods. But today, shoppers have at least twice as many options.”
The market will remain open until mid-June 2025, with a clearance sale planned to sell off remaining inventory and equipment. Peter initially had two and a half years left on his lease but opted to end it early due to financial losses.
“I’m leaving, but not on my own terms,” he admitted. “The store just isn’t making money anymore. I like to be in control of my destiny, but this is out of my hands.”
Following the closure, the space will be converted into a liquor store. As for Peter’s next chapter, he plans to retire, though he acknowledges Vancouver’s high cost of living makes it a challenging place to stay in business. What he’ll miss most, he says, is the community. “It’s a community store, and we had a lot of regular customers. We got to know the community really well, the customers—we knew by name. That’s what I’ll miss the most, the relationship with the customers.”
So sorry to hear this. Have enjoyed shopping here for years. Especially liked the focus on BC and Canadian produce long before the push to buy local was popular. Will miss you!
What a shame.
I been shopping at this store since the Queens Market days.
I’ve really appreciated this store. They have stuck by us for all these years, INCLUDING throughout covid.
You will be dearly missed.
Thank you Peter.
J
So sad to lose the mom and pop shops so big billion dollar companies can swoop in and steal their business. Communities are losing vibrancy and connection. Sorry to see yet another great long time business lost to investors and corporations.
Thanks for being a consistent pillar for our community and for creating a positive environment for everyone that walked into the store Peter. All the best to you in your new journey.
Edgemont Village is dying…it’s death is accelerating. So very sorry to see your closure but understand your situation … am in a very similar position myself as an owner of a small independent business. Our governments at all levels are killing our economy, and one of the biggest factors is the killing of small business. As a 68 year old I am watching the death of what Canada once was and what we stood for.
All the best to you!
So sad to hear this news. My mom enjoyed shopping here. Peter was always smiling, and always greeted you when he saw you! We will miss you Peter and wish you all the best!!
Sad to hear Peter will be closing Columba market. I have shopped there for years and remember Peters mother who ran the market in its early years. We have very little left in the village as Corporate greed and deep pockets have driven popular small business from the community!
Remember the following:
Knit shop. bake house, jewelry store, arts supply next to Columbus market, trims, twix clothing store,
kitchen shop sed to be same block as Delanys, general store and the list goes on. In my view it is about time we spoke up as a community. The small independent business played a significant role in
attracting buyers to our community . The uniqueness of the products and services they provided created a vibrant village centre!
We need to support Peter and Columbus Farm Market with our actions not just words. If we keep buying at Walmart, then we would be supporting an American business, and not a local Canadian business.
Since they have stuck by this community all these years, we should stick by them during difficult times. Let’s put the big guys out of business instead!
Get all your friends and family to shop at Columbus Farm Market, we vote and create change with our wallets!