The end of the month will see the end of an era when Wally and Terri Brogan close the doors of Super Valu.

In a small town like Oliver, most citizens get very attached to their grocery store, we get used to the layout of the foods and learn where everything is located. We get used to seeing the same faces in the various departments and the same helpful cashiers.

Shopping is a very personal experience and we like the continuity of seeing the same people every time we go in.

I personally enjoy a very helpful butchery crew and big choice of baked goods. Being a caterer, I appreciate the savings I get from bulk buying, the quality of the produce and the availability of assistance to my vehicle.

It is also a good thing that people with challenges are an important part of the staff and the fact that they are made to feel like an integral part of the store.

Stores in small towns are very community minded and Super Valu could always be counted on to allow sales of raffle tickets or fund raising hot dog sales, quite often with some assistance with the cost of the food, and the bbq and gas was always free for groups to use.

Will the new ‘No Frills’ store be so community minded, probably not. Usually these kinds of stores keep costs to a minimum. Oliver seniors will miss having their groceries placed in bags and carried to the car, if needed. Will the familiar faces of the staff remain the same, let’s hope so, most of them have been there for many years and are really good at what they do. Will their wages and benefits remain the same? Hopefully, but probably not.

The lack of personal service will probably drive many older people to our other full service store but the lower prices of ‘No Frills’ will attract families with large grocery needs.

We are all going to miss the smiling face of Wally who made regular appearances, always with a cheery greeting. He and Terry are ready to get on with the rest of their lives and I’m sure we all wish them well however, I am sure they have mixed feelings about closing the door for the last time.
As a new store gets ready to serve our town, I wish them well but, as I said before, it is the end of an era.

(Pat is abroad in the old country but still thinking down home)