Canadian bookseller Curious Fox Bookshop in Whitby, Ont., closed on April 25, Canadian Independent Bookstore Day. Owner Sarah Parker, who opened her bookstore in 2024, posted on Instagram the day after CIBD: "All good books come to an end and so does Curious Fox Bookshop. Thank you to everyone who stopped by--your support was much appreciated!"
A message on the bookshop's website noted: "It is with sadness that I must announce that our beloved bookshop closed on Saturday. As any small business owner will tell you, it's been a tough winter, and I believe tougher times are ahead.
"I opened this shop almost two years ago with the firm belief that children deserve their own space that celebrates imagination and childhood. If I have helped any young readers discover the magic of reading, then it was worth it! Thank you sincerely for your support. It has been a pleasure serving this community, and I appreciate every reader who has walked through the doors."
Parker had announced her decision to close in late March, posting on social media: "This is a tough one to write, but necessary. It’s been a tough few months, even after a strong Christmas season, and it seems like the economic outlook is not in our favor. When I opened this shop almost two years ago, I wanted it to be a place of joy and whimsy to encourage the magic of reading in kids. I believe I did that, if even for a short time, based on the many lovely comments from wonderful customers."