Two popular long-time businesses in St. John’s are closing their doors.

Kim Paddon posted to social media this week that Whink! and the Newfoundland Weavery are shutting down.

She says she’s poured 15 years of her heart and soul into the businesses, but the last few years have been “incredibly challenging,” and due to circumstances beyond her control, business has forever changed.

She points to online shopping, soaring freight costs, consumer behavior and falling foot traffic.

As a result says Paddon, the current economic climate “does not offer a bright future” for her current business model.

“I mean, let’s be honest, it’s a very challenging time. The economic environment that we are in right now, you can’t pretend that everything is okay.”

In the meantime, she’s working through her inventory and promises to have it out and available over the coming days.

She’s been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support she and her team have received since issuing the post.

“I’m so passionate with the community of artisans as being a Newfoundland and Labrador business owner, and these stores meant so much to our community, and yes, they’re stores, but I’m an employer to lots of people…and I’m just….” she says trailing off with emotion.