Launched as Canada's first package-free grocery store, Nada opened its brick-and-mortar store in Mount Pleasant nearly five years ago.
They'll be locking those doors for the last time at the end of this month.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of our brick-and-mortar store as of April 30th," states the Nada team on an Instagram post.
The reason for the closure is simple, they say.
"Faced with a recent substantial rent increase and rising costs, the math simply doesn't add up to continue operating our physical space," they state on Instagram.
Nada was founded by Brianne Miller, a marine biologist. She saw the damage plastics had on the environment firsthand and decided to start the social venture. It started as a pop-up, and in 2018 opened the location at Fraser Street and East Broadway.
"It’s not just a sustainability initiative," Miller said in 2018. "We’re tapping into a consumer base who wants to be connected to their food, learn about the impact of their purchases, and lessen their individual footprints."
The store wasn't just a retail location. Nada ran workshops there as well, along with panel discussions, film screenings, and dinners.
"We’re sad to leave the space that has brought us such an amazing community," they add.
However, it's not the end of Nada, just that storefront.
The business is moving to a wholly online model and will continue to serve customers from its warehouse in Olympic Village. They hope that this will mean they can keep pricing accessible for people and allow them to be more flexible as the food industry faces challenges.
"The good news is that we’re excited to keep serving you online with a focus on our circular delivery model," they write. Deliveries in Vancouver are scheduled for five days a week, with neighbouring cities also seeing scheduled deliveries.
Businesses and people have wished them good luck switching business models.
"It’s a tough year for package-free groceries. Happy to hear that your mission continues though," wrote Nugrocery, a store in Ottawa.
"So sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, so many of us feel your pain. [These are] difficult times for small businesses with more challenges than ever before," wrote West Coast Refill, a retailer on Vancouver Island.
"Thank you for being one of the biggest drivers of the circular and low waste economies in Vancouver!" wrote Mugshare.
"This is heartbreaking 💔 truly a pioneer and a personal inspiration for YEARS! Best of luck on the circular model!" wrote Dry Goods Refillery from New Jersey.
"Hopefully another brick-and-mortar is in the future plans. Your store has been a bright spot in Vancouver," wrote household supplies company No Tox Life.
With files from Lindsay William-Ross
