Fredericton business owner says accident that destroyed shop ‘just the kick’ he needed - New Brunswick | Globalnews. ca

Chase Benjamin Antiques, a well-known antique shop in Fredericton, has made a strong comeback after a devastating accident destroyed its original location. Back in August, a large truck lost control and crashed directly into the building on King Street where the shop was housed. Thankfully, nobody was inside at the time, and no injuries were reported to the driver or residents living in the apartments behind the store. However, the crash caused severe structural damage to the building, forcing the shop to close its doors unexpectedly. For the shop’s owner, Chase Plourde, the incident was a tough blow but also ended up being the push he needed to turn his business into a full-time endeavor. While recovering from the shock, Plourde leaned heavily on the support of his family, friends, and loyal customers. Through several fundraising efforts, they raised over $8,000, which went towards covering rent, purchasing new displays, and stocking up on fresh antiques. This financial help was crucial since Plourde had no regular income during the months the shop was closed. With this backing, Chase Benjamin Antiques reopened at a new location on Main Street, just across the river, and recently celebrated a grand re-opening. Plourde described the experience as both exciting and nerve-wracking, but he’s eager to embrace this fresh chapter. The accident, though unfortunate, has given him renewed motivation and confidence to fully commit to his passion for antiques. Looking ahead, Plourde is enthusiastic about reconnecting with his previous customers while attracting new ones. He expressed how much he enjoys interacting with people, learning about their interests, and providing them with items that bring joy, especially during uncertain times. The close-knit Fredericton community’s rallying support played a huge part in helping him get back on his feet, reinforcing the value of local connections and shared resilience. Despite the challenges, the incident sparked a transformative moment for Plourde’s business journey. It pushed him to take that leap he had been considering for years — making the antique shop his sole focus. Now reopened and energized, Chase Benjamin Antiques is ready to thrive, reflecting both the resilience of its owner and the unwavering support of those around him.