The closure of Doogan’s Pet Centre in Barrie marks the end of an era for local retail while shedding light on the rising dominance of online marketplaces like Amazon and Chewy.
After 40 years as a beloved fixture in the Kozlov Centre, Doogan’s Pet Centre has closed its doors, a casualty of shifting consumer habits and financial pressures. Owned by Lindsay Fitzgerald since 2006, the store thrived during the pandemic, as pet ownership surged amid widespread isolation. However, the post-pandemic return to normalcy brought declining sales, ultimately sealing the store’s fate.
Fitzgerald pointed to the growing influence of e-commerce giants Amazon and Chewy as significant factors in the decision to shut down. As consumers increasingly turned to the convenience of online shopping, traditional brick-and-mortar businesses like Doogan’s struggled to compete on price and accessibility. Fitzgerald noted that her customers, while loyal, often leaned toward online options that offered broader selections and home delivery.
The challenges didn’t stop at consumer habits. The Kozlov Centre, once a bustling shopping destination, has become a shadow of its former self. Reports of structural disrepair, including water damage and broken skylights, have discouraged foot traffic and made it harder for tenants to thrive. For Fitzgerald, these conditions compounded the financial strain, forcing her to make the difficult decision to close.
Despite these hurdles, Fitzgerald remains optimistic about her future, shifting her focus to pet grooming services, which she describes as a growing and profitable segment in the pet industry. She will now work full-time at The Dog Salon on Dunlop Street West, bringing her expertise to a field less vulnerable to the disruptions caused by e-commerce.
The story of Doogan’s underscores a broader trend affecting local businesses worldwide. The rise of online retail has transformed how people shop, with convenience and competitive pricing driving customer decisions. Yet, as Fitzgerald advises, it’s more important than ever to support local businesses, which contribute to the fabric of their communities in ways that online giants cannot.
The closure of Doogan’s is a poignant reminder of the pressures faced by independent retailers. While the rise of Amazon and Chewy may offer consumers endless options at their fingertips, it comes at a cost to local institutions that have built lasting relationships with their communities. As Fitzgerald tearfully recalled her favourite memories, it was clear that the true value of Doogan’s lay not just in its products but in the connections it fostered over four decades.
As Barrie continues to grapple with the implications of these changes, one thing remains clear: the choices consumers make today will shape the future of local retail. Supporting small businesses isn’t just about shopping—it’s about preserving the character and vitality of communities like Barrie.
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‘Retail is dying’: Doogan’s Pet Centre shutters after 40 years in Barrie
