The BMR hardware store, located at 1242 Chemin du Fleuve in Les Cèdres, could close its doors in the near future. While no final decision has been made yet, if the current situation persists, the company may have no choice but to make this heartbreaking decision, according to Operations Director Daniel Charlebois, who spoke with Néomédia on Tuesday, February 11.

The news first surfaced on social media on Friday, February 7, when a customer urged people to "support local businesses." In response, Néomédia reached out to the company for clarification.

"The information circulating on social media comes from a conversation I had with a customer last week regarding certain decisions made last fall about the company's future. Without blaming the Municipality of Les Cèdres, the two-year moratorium preventing any new construction in the area is not helping local businesses. If I can’t grow my company, how am I supposed to make a profit and stay in business? I’m not running a non-profit organization. At the end of the year, the goal is to be profitable. Right now, we are not, and if this situation continues, we will have no choice but to make tough decisions," Charlebois explained.

A Challenging Economic Context
The current economic climate in Quebec, coupled with the construction moratorium in Les Cèdres, could spell the end for the business, which joined the BMR Group in May 2022. "Right now, no one in upper management wants to shut down this branch, but if nothing changes, we may have no other option," he lamented.

A Historic Building
For history enthusiasts, it’s worth noting that the building housing the hardware store dates back to the 1880s. It originally served as a general store and funeral home before being modernized and repurposed as a hardware store. Over the years, the business has operated under various competing banners before officially becoming a BMR Express location in May 2022.

Deeply rooted in the community, the store can count on an exceptional customer base, according to Charlebois. "Many customers shop here just to support us. They’re amazing, and we appreciate them greatly. We have a solid inventory and can meet demand. But to be honest, the moratorium has shaken us, because it means we won’t be able to expand our customer base for the next two years. For years, the municipal administration has promised that Les Cèdres would develop, and now we’re stuck with the status quo for two more years. That’s fine—I don’t hold it against them. The municipal administration runs the town as it sees fit. But as a business owner, if the company isn’t profitable, there’s no point in continuing for months on end. This isn’t about seeking sympathy—it’s simply a reality check on what lies ahead if nothing changes," he concluded.