Garages, motels and specialty stores line Guillaume-Couture Boulevard in Lévis.
After a few kilometers, a red and white house appears, which houses two commercial premises and housing.
This building is located on a strip of land currently belonging to Logisco.
Sabrina Racette-Proulx had just taken over the reins of the Nordique Toilettage grooming salon when the building changed hands last spring. “I signed my lease. A week later, the for sale sign was out front,” the young owner shared in an interview with The Sun.
The latter has been looking for premises since the acquisition, even if the intentions and timetable of the real estate developer are unknown to it.
“For the same price, I wouldn’t even have a third of what I have now,” worries the new owner of Nordique Toilettage. (Chloe Pouliot/The Sun)
“It was already difficult because of the housing shortage. Residential rents have increased, but it has also impacted commercial rents,” says the entrepreneur, who fears she will not be able to find premises as affordable.
“I don’t want to double my prices just to be able to pay rent.”
— Sabrina Racette-Proulx, owner of Nordique Toilettage
The challenge is twofold since Ms. Racette-Proulx must find a commercial space that allows the presence of animals. “It’s as difficult as finding an apartment that accepts dogs,” she compares.
The woman who claims to be “going around in circles” now intends to examine available premises outside the perimeter she had initially targeted.
“At the risk of losing my customers,” she sighs.
Moving away in Bellechasse
On the other side of the building, Daniel Maheux, whose shoe repair shop bears his name, has already taken steps to move to La Durantaye, in Bellechasse.
A plan he had developed, but not in the short term. “I would have left later. When I was ready,” suggests the one who lives in the region.
“The sale [du terrain] has accelerated business. At the same time, there are no more shoemakers in Bellechasse. I will end my career there,” added the craftsman.
Starting in November, it will coexist with the post office on rue du Piedmont. A drop-off point in another business in Lévis will allow its current customers to leave their items for repair.
Despite the high moving costs, Mr. Maheux says he is in good shape. He is more concerned about the disappearance of affordable premises along the artery.
“It’s a shame, because [les promoteurs] buy buildings like here. But these are premises for small businesses like mine,” laments the 68-year-old shoemaker, who sees the landscape of Lévis changing.
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