End of an era; Cost of doing business drives Howley couple out of business

HOWLEY - The closure of a small general store in Howley might fly below the radar, but it doesn't lessen the impact of the event on those involved.

At the end of next month, Judy Ann and Derek Murphy will shut the doors on Leo's General Store for the last time. The business has been in Judy Ann's family for 35 years.

"I started working at the store when I was 13 years old," she told The Western Star. "I used to get off the school bus and come into the store to work the evenings.

"It's going to be hard to walk away, especially from our devoted customers. I'm only giving it up because I absolutely have to. If it was more profitable, I'd stay. As it is, we've stayed open this long because of our customers."

The couple peg the rising cost of doing business in Newfoundland and Labrador as one of the main reasons for being forced to close their doors.

Derek said it's getting tougher for small, family-run businesses to survive in the province.
"The cost of fuel has gone through the roof, just like insurance, government fees and that's really what's driving us out of the market," he said. "There are also things like Atlantic Lottery and their policy to not have two lotto ticket machines in towns like Howley.
That means we're continually losing business to our competitor. It's the same as the liquor board. We've sold beer for 35 years here, but they won't allow us to sell wines and spirits.

"It doesn't make any sense and it keeps business out of our store."

The couple said that increased wages and what they believe are excessive bank fees are making the situation worse.

In the end, both Judy Ann and Derek said it's the people they'll miss the most.

"We've met people from all over the world in this store," Derek said. "Every summer, we get quad tours in from a tour company on the mainland and we see people from England, Denmark, Sweden …you name it.

"We've made so many friends here and we'll definitely miss that. But there are other aspects that won't be missed."

Judy Ann admits that working 12 to 14 hours a day, seven days a week has taken a lot of the joy out of her work life. While she isn't sure what the future holds for her, she is sure of one thing, she can't continue to run the general store.

"I've been five years without a holiday," she said. "But I don't know if I'll be able to stay retired.

"I'll definitely miss meeting new people and seeing friends in here. But I just can't go on any longer."