Another Stamp Shop Succumbs to the Internet

Citing too much competition from online traders, the North Main Stamp and Coin Co. owned by Linda and John Richards in Winnipeg, Canada closes for good this month according to an article on the Winnipeg Free Press website.

Calgary dealer Dwayne Miner is quoted in the piece as saying, "It will be very sad to see them go. That's the last true coin and stamp shop in Winnipeg. Winnipeg is still home to coin stores and there are shops with stamp collections but none with the quality and history of the Richardses."

Miner also said the trade has moved from storefronts to the Internet and pointed out, "It's a breed that's disappearing. The overhead is getting so big for coins and stamps and it's a very difficult way to make a living."

"Walking into their shop is like stepping back in time.The plate-glass windows betray the bank it used to be. There are rows of albums and catalogues that give the place the feel of an archive. The pervading scent of paper and ink seal the impression," writes reporter Alexandra Paul.

"We've had people come in and ask me for library cards," Linda chuckled, as she and John shared memories they'll take away with the boxes they pack. Lately, there are more tears than laughs as word gets around to dealers and customers.

Shown above, John Richards.

To read the entire article, click here.