Mattawa Residents Rally to Save Scott's Discount Store from Closure

328 Main Street, Mattawa, Canada - In a surprising move that has left the community buzzing, Scott’s Discount Store in Mattawa, located at 328 Main Street, is set to close its doors at the end of August 2025. This closure poses a significant concern for many residents, who see the store as a vital part of their daily lives and shopping routines. Owned by Giant Tiger, Scott’s Discount is the only small department store in the area, offering everything from affordable groceries and clothing to household supplies and personal hygiene items. It serves approximately 12 employees and works hard to keep prices low in a town where alternatives can be notably pricier.

Local sentiments are running high, and the community response has been robust. Many residents have taken to writing letters to local politicians, urging them to intervene and try to prevent the closing of this essential shopping venue. On July 4, Mattawa’s Chief Administrative Officer, Paul Laperriere, addressed the issue in a statement that resonated deeply with many. Mayor Raymond Bélanger expressed that the closure would be a “significant loss” for the town, while Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli echoed the disappointment felt among locals and highlighted that the ultimate decision lies with the corporate powers at Giant Tiger. MP Pauline Rochefort reported receiving an overwhelming 1,300 identical emails opposing the closure, a clear signal of how much the residents cherish their local store.

Community Standpoint

Local resident Mike Guay has been vocal about the closure, expressing confusion as the store remains busy and vibrant. He pointed out that alternatives like Dollarama and various grocery stores not only offer higher prices but also lack the same sense of community that Scott’s Discount fosters. This closure is particularly concerning for those unable to travel to other towns for their shopping needs, raising worries that their choices will become even more limited.

The decision to shutter Scott’s Discount was conveyed by Jessica Charbonneau, the Manager of External Communications for Giant Tiger. She mentioned that the decision was reached after “careful consideration and analysis,” though the exact reasons remain unclear to many locals who feel deeply attached to the store. In response to the impending closure, Guay spearheaded an online petition that has already gathered 751 signatures, all aimed at appealing to both Mattawa Mayor and the Giant Tiger CEO for reconsideration.

Wider Implications of Closures

Store closures are not just a loss for individual consumers; they ripple through the local economy and community fabric as a whole. According to Rhode Island Business, many factors can lead to such closures, including economic downturns and changing consumer habits favoring online shopping. It’s important to note that the immediate outcomes of these closures often involve job losses, which can increase local unemployment rates and lessen consumer spending power, ultimately impacting public services and infrastructure via decreased sales tax revenue.

Moreover, cherished local stores contribute significantly to a community’s identity and social fabric. They often host events and foster social interactions, creating bonds among residents. When such a store closes, it can engender a profound sense of loss. However, communities have shown resilience in the face of store closures. They can adapt by supporting remaining local businesses, looking for ways to attract new enterprises, and engaging in community planning to revitalize the area.

Understanding the broader implications of store closures helps underscore the necessity of advocacy and local support. It encourages consumers to rally behind their local businesses, ensuring the community remains vibrant and united through any transition it may face. As Mattawa residents gather to voice their concerns, the hope is that Scott’s Discount can continue serving the community long into the future.

As it stands, amid the community’s pushback, the fate of Scott’s Discount Store lies in the hands of corporate decision-makers. Will they heed the outcry, or will August mark the end of an era for this beloved establishment? Only time will tell.

BayToday, Nugget, and Reference have all echoed the sentiments of this tight-knit community.