There is no doubt the construction along Niagara Stone Road has hurt all the businesses on the strip.

As Yoka Fashions goes through its second season in its newest location, owner Carla Kloosterhuis-Lilly hopes the end is near and that the road improvements will be worth the wait.

Luckily for Yoka, the majority of the store’s business is digital — a shift that was made after two decades as a storefront on Queen Street in Toronto.

“Had we been completely dependent on walk-in traffic this would be a nightmare,” Kloosterhuis-Lilly says.

“Nevertheless, the retail side of things has been much quieter this year and we hope our big summer blowout sale will bring the shoppers back in-person.”

Kloosterhuis-Lilly encourages everyone in town to support all of the businesses in the construction zone, “as we truly are the ones bearing the load of a lost tourist season.”

She listed off a few of the affected businesses “that make this beautiful town what it is.”

Those include the Pie Plate, Silversmith Brewery, the Twisted Vine, Regal Florist, Niagara Image Gallery, Grape Escape and, of course, Phil’s Independent grocery store.

“Make it a point to shop or dine at these establishments that are so important to our community,” Kloosterhuis-Lilly says.

“Yoka is having a massive summer blowout and we hope to see your smiling faces soon.”

The store is stocked with beautiful European fashion at deep discounts to make room for a stunning fall season, Kloosterhuis-Lilly adds.

Catch Yoka’s Instagram live shows every week and order direct from fashion modelled right before your eyes, and take advantage of the store’s local Niagara delivery service.

“That’s fashion delivered right to your door!”

The store is always open online at www.yokafashions.com.