Closure Looms for Kora’s Corner as Border Visits Plummet

A popular candy and souvenir shop in Point Roberts, Washington, is set to close its doors on December 28, 2023, due to a significant decline in border crossings from British Columbia. Kora’s Corner, co-owned by Krystal and Neil King, has struggled to maintain profitability amid rising costs and falling visitor numbers, which have dropped by approximately 60 percent since February 2023.

The decision to close has been a challenging one for the Kings, who opened Kora’s Corner in March 2022, shortly after the birth of their daughter, Koraline. “This decision has been building for a full year,” Krystal King stated. “We tried everything to make the numbers work, but every major cost increased at the same time visitor traffic dropped. The rent increase especially made the location impossible to sustain.”

Impact of Border Crossings on Local Businesses

Kora’s Corner, located at 1480 Gulf Rd., was not only a retail space but also a community hub. The shop offered board game rentals, showcased local artisans, and hosted events that brought families together. The Kings aimed to create a welcoming environment for visitors, many of whom were Canadian. Their offerings included a variety of candy, novelty treats, and unique local merchandise that attracted foot traffic.

The decline in visitors coincided with a sharp increase in operational costs. According to data from the Whatcom Council of Governments, the volume of southbound vehicles from British Columbia to Washington has fallen by 37 percent in October 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This downturn was compounded by a 25 percent increase in rent and a staggering 90 percent rise in point-of-sale service fees, alongside higher inventory costs due to tariffs and uncertainties at the border.

“Other businesses in town have shared that they are experiencing the same drop in Canadian visitors along with rising costs,” Neil King noted. The ripple effects have been felt throughout the community, with other local businesses also facing closure.

Community Response and Future Plans

The Kings are exploring options for potentially relocating Kora’s Corner or finding new ways to keep the business alive. They are also planning to move their beloved Rubber Duck Museum to Tsawwassen Mills in Delta, with an opening scheduled for December 2023. Despite these efforts, there remains a palpable sense of loss within the community.

Parents in Point Roberts have expressed disappointment over the store’s closure, emphasizing its significance as a family-friendly destination. The Kings received numerous heartfelt messages from customers, many of whom felt a connection to the shop as a staple of their community routines. “The emotional responses have meant a great deal to us and have shown us how connected people felt to the space,” Krystal King reflected.

The Kings acknowledge the challenges many Canadians face concerning border crossings this year. They have expressed gratitude towards British Columbians for their support during this difficult time. “Serving Point Roberts has been one of the greatest privileges of our lives,” Neil King added. “Our daughter grew up inside this little store, surrounded by kindness.”

As Kora’s Corner prepares to close its doors, the Kings remain hopeful for new opportunities while cherishing the memories created in their beloved shop. The community’s response highlights the deep connections formed in local businesses, underscoring the impact of broader economic trends on individual lives.