After more than 40 years of operation Marketplace IGA closed it's doors last Saturday (Oct. 21). It was an emotional day for Nikki Sanderson.
After negotiating for their lease, associates Shane and Nikki Sanderson "were unable to come to an agreement with the leasing company."
"So our lease has terminated. The store has been [in Hunter Place] for 10 years, and Shane and I have been here for five," said Nikki.
When asked what they plan to do Nikki answered they have "no plans at the moment; [we have to] take some time and think about it. We definitely do want to stay in town. We love it here. We have to see what our future holds."
Staff learned about the closure in September.
"We have a bunch of kids here right now who have been a huge part of our business and we could not have done it without them. What is important is my staff," stressed Nikki.
Nesters, the grocery store replacing IGA, has offered jobs to all current staff if they wish
"Sometime in the 1960s, IGA opened in Squamish where we now have the Home Hardware store," explained John Drinovz, the store's manager. "I was here when the store opened [in Hunter Place]. I have spent a fifth of my life here and I am 50. I thought I would be able to retire here but I will probably go to Whistler."
Steve Olson is another longtime IGA worker in Squamish. "Six years in this one and five in the old one. It is sad and frustrating. It had finally turned the corner. I have worked so hard to represent our store everywhere in town. And finally people were coming." He said.
Ric Laidlaw, president of Buy-Low Foods, the parent company of Nesters said they are hoping to open in early December.
"That's our objective," he added. "We don't get possession of the building until November 13."
