After almost 25 years, Lala’s in the Cove is closing its doors.

The North Vancouver gift shop joins the list of businesses felled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an announcement earlier this month, Lala’s founder Kristina Egyed said that the 4381 Gallant Avenue store is closing “due to the exhausting challenges of COVID-19”.

“I built LaLa’s on the foundation of casual socialization and amped-up fun at its core,” Egyed wrote. “COVID does not support this.”

Egyed opened Lala’s in the Cove on September 1, 1996.

There’s also a LaLa's on the Drive in Vancouver (1748 Commercial Drive).

The shop was founded with a mission of “Putting the Ohh LaLa into Gift Giving and Receiving!”

“LaLa's has prided itself on supporting local artists and producers as well as far flung, hard to find boutique items,” Egyed wrote on the shop’s website.

In her announcement, Egyed said that closing the store has been “extremely difficult decision”.

“We love the community, advocating for small businesses, and offering local, funky, and unique gifts,” she said.

Lala’s in the Cove is holding a series of sales before finally closing by the end of summer.

One is happening on Wednesday (July 15), from 6 to 9 p.m.

Visitors are advised to bring a reusable cup for refreshments, and practice physical distancing.