Hamilton artist pays tribute to former Concession Street business

You’ve heard of the tiny libraries, where people take a book and leave a book. Well a local artist has taken that idea further and teamed up with the Concession Street BIA to celebrate and honour a former staple of the street.

So-Low Sales opened on Concession Street in Hamilton in 1984, well before dollar stores hit the scene.

“We started out as a discount store. We were selling housewares and different items. Over the years we switched over to a party store,” says Elliot Raphael, the former owner of So-Low Sales.

But Elliot and Eva Raphael were forced to close their doors in June of 2014.

“The street had changed its dynamics. There wasn’t as much retail on the street at that time. Competition from other stores was getting [to be] more and more. We decided it was the right time to make the move and close the store down,” says Elliot.

But 12 years later, local artist Lana McCulloch teamed up with the Concession Street BIA and created a trinket box to honour the Raphael’s and So-Low Sales.

“It was just a magical place, a treasure hunt for kids. You would go in and there was always something. The family, they’re lovely, they’re so warm and kind and generous. Getting your allowance and going to So-Low Sales was the best thing ever,” says McCulloch.

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The trinket box set up just east of Upper Wentworth Street looks just like the old storefront and it’s been constantly busy.

“It’s fantastic, I love to see the little bits of joy all the kids that are coming up are making their own, new memories about their special thing that they find,” says Eva Martens from the Concession Street BIA.

“This is great. This is a blast from the past,” says Hellen Manning.

Manning used to shop at the store back in the day, and brought her grandkids to the trinket box where people are encouraged to bring a trinket, and take a trinket.

“I think it’s great for the neighbourhood. The kids are all excited about coming here today,” says Manning.

The trinket box shows the Rafael’s just how much they meant the community for the 30 years they were on Concession Street.

“My heart is pounding. It’s so nice to see customers from 30 years ago. It brings me joy,” says Eva Raphael.

“It’s an honour that is going to bring tears to my eyes because we were on the street for 30 years. We loved the street, we loved everything about it, our customers, all the stores on the street, everybody that we got along with so well,” says Elliot. “For someone to do this, to bring back the memories, it’s very, very emotional and it’s a great, great honour.”

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