PM40050478 THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 SAVE $500ONONEOFOUR Behind themodern, unique design of the Stressless®Wing lie a host of innovative comfort features exclusive to Stressless® seating. MOST SOUGHT-AFTER RECLINERS.* 1373 Victoria St. N., Kitchener | 519-742-8501 www.intwww.intwww ernationalhomeinteriors.ca PLUS, SAVE UP TO 25% ON STRESSLESS® OSLO AND MANHATTAN SOFAS.* Shahin Karami opened The UPS Store beneath the Blair House on Phillip Street about two-and-a- half years ago in an ideal location, beneath thousands of apartments for international students andfor international students andf steps from the university's main campus. Establishing it was still chal- lenging, though prior to the pan- demic, things were humming along nicely. "We've lost most of our custom- ers now because the students are just gone," Karami said last Thurs- day. Without parking, he relies onWithout parking, he relies onW walk-ins to not only ship and pick up parcels, but for services includ- ing printing, binding and faxing. Because he stayed open during the pandemic as an essential busi- ness, he didn't qualify for some of the relief funding provided by the government. "Rent is high; it's not cheap," said Karami, who's hoping more than just lab students return to campus in the new year. Nearby, on University Avenue West, Mizu Restaurant owner Car-West, Mizu Restaurant owner Car-W rie Zhao said business is down 70 to 75 per cent. Other businesses are reporting similar fall-offs. While the number of students living in on-campus residences and off campus in Waterloo this fall will surely be smaller com-fall will surely be smaller com-f pared to past years, many are re- VOID OF STUDENTS BRINGS BLEAKER FORECAST FOR BUSINESSES See 'I SUSPECT', page 6 BILL JACKSON bjackson@torstar.cabjackson@torstar.cab Franchisee Shahin Karami operates The UPS Store beneath Rez-One's Blair House for international students on Phillip Street, across from University Plaza. He's concerned about business this fall with classes staying online. Bill Jackson/Torstar BEHIND THE CRIMES Solved and Unsolved Cases in Ontario Our journalists revisit the crimes that dominated headlines in our communities. WATERLOOCHRONICLE.CA/ BEHINDTHECRIMES