‘It’s not a time I ever want to repeat again’: Hamilton bookstore owner marks first year in business amid COVID-19

May 1 was supposed to be a day of celebration for Janet Hoy, marking one year since she and her partner, Tim Hanna, opened their Ottawa Street North bookstore, The City & The City Books.

But in lieu of cupcakes and chat with customers, COVID-19 has sent the pair back to the drawing board, reinventing everything they've learned as independent business owners.

This is not how we wanted our first year to end," said Hoy. To lose it (the store) would be devastating."

Hoy's bookstore is one of thousands of Hamilton businesses that have closed their doors to customers amid the coronavirus pandemic that has infected 447 people in the city as of Sunday.

Gone are the days of shoppers coming off the street and browsing the shelves, laden with fiction reads and well-loved titles.

Hoy said she now runs the entire shop virtually, taking orders over the phone, through social media and by email. The books are then picked up curbside or delivered by bike, as Hanna cycles around the city.

With the shift, Hoy estimates the shop is operating in a constant scramble" on less than 30 per cent of its regular business and has laid off two part-time/casual employees.

We're working 75 per cent harder for 75 per cent less money," she said. It's just a whole different way of doing work that is a lot more stressful."

Waiting for help

Hoy said the business closed its doors entirely on March 24 when the province announced the closure of all non-essential services.

When the pair realized Hoy was unable to qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and their business wasn't eligible for assistance, they had no choice but to reopen.

As of Thursday, Hoy said they were still waiting to see if they will qualify for the rent relief program announced by the federal government on April 24, which could lower rents by 75 per cent for April, May and June.

With just the year under their belts, she said the couple had finally gotten into the swing of things" with their business in the past few months.

They felt prepared for the summer season and the idea of returning to a career in social service was long gone from Hoy's mind.

But then the pandemic hit, putting their retirement savings on the line, said Hoy.

There have been many sleepless nights, where you just sort of wake up at three in the morning in a panic," she said. It might get nail biting."

Community support

Nestled in between Cannon Coffee and Simply Zen, Hoy said the neighbourhood is a big part of why they are able to keep their doors open.

Other business owners in the community have been checking in and regulars have been putting in extra orders. Hoy said with neither her or Tim able to drive, people have also volunteered to help with deliveries.

The community has been incredible," said Hoy. People have been so great."

But, the realities of life post-pandemic still linger.

Hoy expects customers will be more conscious in their shopping and going out where there could be large crowds.

While they are being supported now, she expects that not all of their regulars may be able to return if they've felt the impacts of a job loss or lengthy layoff.

It's kind of scary to think about what will happen in the future," said Hoy. It's not a time I ever want to repeat again."

Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com