Thursday, March 28, 2024

Chinatown Fan Tan Trading Company to close its doors after over 50 years in business

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Victoria’s historic Chinatown may lose another long-standing business this summer. 

After over 50 years in business, the popular Chinatown Fan Tan Trading Company, a favourite of locals and tourists alike, may have to close its doors.

The store, a popular destination for both locals and tourists, was purchased by Grathy Li in 2017 when she moved with her family from China to operate it. 

For many, it is a must when visiting Victoria. 

Now, due to an immigration issue requiring Li to be an employee and not self employed, Li must switch gears to obtain a study permit. She will be moving to New Brunswick to meet her new permit requirements. 

This means the store will be left without an owner and the store’s lease is set to expire next month. 

Li hopes someone will step up and buy the shop, including all the inventory at a discounted price. 

If the business does find a new owner, that means the historic Chinatown Fan Tan Trading Company can remain in an ever changing Chinatown. 

Canada’s oldest Chinatown has shrunk from half a dozen blocks down to one.

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