If you've ever seen You've Got Mail, one of two Meg Ryan Tom Hanks classics, you might recall the incomparable charm of The Little Shop Around the Corner and the heartbreak that came with its closure towards the end of the movie (spoiler alert).
One shop in Vancouver, though it doesn't sell books, achieves the same level of cozy charisma and is a true gem of the Victoria Drive neighbourhood. Therefore, the recent announcement that it is closing up shop is not only a real blow to its fans but renders even more heartbreak than its fictional counterpart.
The Found and The Freed started as an antique and vintage furniture, housewares, and clothing pop-up in Gastown 12 years ago before opening its brick-and-mortar space at 706 Victoria Dr.
Last month came the news that the storefront would be closing and co-owners Lindsay Burke and Ainsley McIntyre have spent the last several weeks selling off the inventory.
"We have put our heart and soul into this little shop, always striving to create a special space that was meant to be experienced…and we are so grateful for each one of you who walked through the door," they wrote in an Instagram post announcing the closure. "The trials and tribulations of running a small business are many, but one thing that remains constant is our love for vintage."
The store may be closing but Burke and McIntyre promise we haven't heard the last from them, teasing pop-up shops and online sales may be in the cards though they haven't found an "exact path" forward yet.
The store is now officially closed, and in a video posted yesterday the pair described themselves as "proud."
Under the video, there are numerous heartfelt messages of love and support for the store and the owners. One person wrote, "You ladies built something inspirational starting from scratch. Your fingerprints will be all over homes and a part of people’s lives for years to come."
"All those years: putting together and maintaining a beautiful shop with golden light coming through the windows," reminisced another.
It's been a tough year for retail and food and the darling space will be missed but Burke and McIntyre say they "are overwhelmed with gratitude."
