Downtown Eastside grocery store weighs future after security costs rise

The owners of Nesters Market in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside say they are unsure whether the store can remain in the Woodward’s building as crimerelated costs continue to climb. Pattison Food Group said the location faces much higher shoplifting losses than its other stores and requires thousands of dollars in security spending to protect staff and customers. Company president Jamie Nelson said the store has the highest operating costs in the chain while serving a relatively low volume of customers. The comments follow a March incident in which a shoplifter set a fire inside the store, causing more than $500,000 in damage and forcing a twoweek closure. The accused later received a conditional sentence and probation after pleading guilty to a lesser arson charge. Nelson said the company wants to keep serving the community, but may need to reconsider if the economics no longer work.