Article: Gallery Streetwear Break-In and Media Coverage in Kelowna

12 janv. 2026AM 1150 Kelowna

Gallery Streetwear Break-In and Media Coverage in Kelowna

Gallery Streetwear Break-In: Media Coverage, Community Impact, and Why We’re Speaking Out

In early January, Gallery Streetwear was broken into at our downtown Kelowna location. The front window was smashed, merchandise near the storefront was damaged and stolen, and our team was left dealing with yet another incident that has become increasingly common for small businesses operating in the downtown core.

Security gates prevented the store from being completely cleaned out, but the break-in was costly, disruptive, and emotionally exhausting. Like many independent retailers, we cleaned up, filed reports, and returned to work. This time, however, we chose not to stay silent.

This blog exists to document what happened, share the media coverage surrounding it, and help raise awareness locally and nationally about what small businesses are facing in downtown Kelowna and across Canada.

Why We Decided to Speak Publicly

For years, many business owners have absorbed break-ins, vandalism, theft, and unsafe behaviour quietly. Repairs get made. Insurance premiums rise. Staff safety becomes a daily concern.

Silence hasn’t helped.

The situation downtown has reached a point where business owners are operating under constant stress and uncertainty. Speaking publicly is not about blame. It’s about transparency, awareness, and pushing for meaningful solutions that support safer, more sustainable downtowns.

Media Coverage: Local and National Attention

Following the break-in, Gallery Streetwear was featured in and contributed to coverage across multiple media platforms. These stories are not just about our store. They reflect a broader issue impacting downtown Kelowna and small businesses across Canada.

Below is a complete list of media coverage and related articles referencing Gallery Streetwear and the ongoing challenges faced by downtown businesses.

This national reporting provides broader context around downtown decline and the pressures facing small businesses across Canada.

A Widespread Issue Facing Canadian Downtowns

The media coverage above reflects a consistent reality. Small businesses in downtown Kelowna are facing repeated break-ins, rising costs, safety concerns, and emotional burnout. These challenges are not unique to Kelowna. They are being felt in cities across Canada.

Insurance costs rise. Repairs are constant. Staff morale suffers. Owners are left questioning long-term viability.

This is not sustainable.

Gratitude for the Support We’ve Received

Since these stories ran, we’ve heard from customers, fellow business owners, neighbours, and community members who understand the gravity of the situation.

We’re grateful to journalists who reported responsibly, media outlets that amplified small business voices, customers who reached out with support, and other business owners who shared their experiences.

That support matters more than most people realize.

Why Independent Businesses Matter

Gallery Streetwear is a locally owned, independent business built on culture, community, and passion. We are not backed by corporate money. Every incident affects our livelihood directly.

Independent businesses bring character, employment, and identity to cities. When they struggle, downtowns lose more than storefronts. They lose soul.

Moving Forward

We are still here. We are still open.

We are investing in better security, adapting where necessary, and continuing to serve our community. We will also continue to speak openly, alongside other business owners, when issues impact safety, sustainability, and the future of downtown Kelowna.

Awareness matters. Community matters. Action matters.

Thank You

Thank you to Global News, CBC, Castanet, KelownaNow, AM 1150 Radio, Vernon Matters, and others who helped bring attention to this issue.

Thank you to our customers and neighbours for standing with us.

Gallery Streetwear remains committed to Kelowna, to independent retail, and to being part of the solution.

— Gallery Streetwear

Ecrit par Gallery Apparel

Gallery Streetwear Break-In and Media Coverage in Kelowna

Gallery Streetwear Break-In: Media Coverage, Community Impact, and Why We’re Speaking Out

Why We Decided to Speak Publicly

Media Coverage: Local and National Attention

Global News

AM 1150 Radio (Kelowna)

KelownaNow

Castanet

Vernon Matters

National Context

A Widespread Issue Facing Canadian Downtowns

Gratitude for the Support We’ve Received

Why Independent Businesses Matter

Moving Forward

Thank You

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