Western-wear retailer Riley and McCormick going out of business due to economy

One of Calgary’s oldest businesses is about to close its doors.

Western-wear retailer Riley and McCormick has been in business in Alberta for well over 100 years.

The store has actually been selling western gear from its Stephen Avenue location downtown since before the Calgary Stampede existed.

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Owner Brian Gouchin’s grandfather founded the store and said sales have dropped more than 30 per cent.

Gouchin blames the hit to his bottom line on a combination of factors: falling oil prices since 2014, poor weather over the 2016 Stampede and an impending wage hike from the NDP government.

81-year-old clerk Joseph Madaro said the doors opened in 1901 and joked that while he has worked there for a long time, he was not there for the grand opening.

But Riley and McCormick won’t totally fade off into the sunset.

They plan to sell some product online and develop a wholesale business.

The Calgary store will official close its doors August 30th.