By Barb McKay

The Winning Booth has found a new home.

Isabell Stone, who has owned the business for eight years, learned Thursday that OLG will allow her to move her lottery machine to a new location. This came after an offer downtown building owner Don Murray, for her to relocate to his building further north on Queen Street. His current tenant, The Rock Shop, is closing after four years.

Stone, who grew up in northern Ontario, has 28 years experience with lottery sales.

“I’ve done phenomenal sales,” she said.

Her world was shaken late last month when she received an eviction notice at her current location to make way for a Dairy Queen franchise, which is hoping to set up shop before the summer. She must be out of the space by March 19.

Lisa D’Angelo, who owns The Rock Shop, said circumstances beyond her control led to her decision to close her store. She plans to be out by March 9. At one time the store, which sells rock band t-shirts, accessories and jewellery, had items that represented more than 260 bands. Now, she said, it’s more difficult to get apparel from new bands because they sell their gear on their own websites. The closure of Foodland has also slowed business. She said operating the business was fun, though, and now she has reduced prices by 50 per cent to try and sell off as much as she can. The rest she hopes to sell to other similar businesses.

Stone said she is grateful for D’Angelo’s efforts to move out as quickly as possible to allow her to move stock in.

“She’s trying as hard as she can to move out,” she said. “Everyone should support her; she’s so nice.”

Stone said she’s been getting help from her family to pack up the store. Last week her sister, Judy Hamilton, made the trek from North Bay to help her out. Right now she is working to reduce Valentine’s and Easter items and chocolate are priced to clear.