Erma's Variety marks the end of an era today

On April 1, 1976 Aunt May's Bread sold 3 for $1, an 8oz bag of chips cost just 69 cents, and a carton of cigarettes went for $6.49. April 1, 1976 is also the date Erma Stevens (pictured in the photo gallery) officially took over a business in the heart of the city and for over 30 years she's witnessed it all from her variety store that sits on the corner of Worthington and Fisher Streets.

Today marks Stevens' final day as business owner of Erma's Variety because closing the door for good she is riding off into the sunset also known as retiring.

“I'm 74, it's about time,” she tells BayToday of a decision that caused her great anguish and heartache, but in the end had to be made.

“It's very emotional for the kids they don't want me in here, but they don't want it as they all have jobs … so close the door and it's an end of an era.”

Her son, Rick Pineo, ran the store for the last decade but made a change in his career two years ago and that is when Stevens put the store on the market. She says nothing came of offers that were made.

“People wanted it, but wanted me to hold the mortgage and I'm not going to do that.”

Stevens, a single mother of five, was working as a cashier at Loblaws on Main Street in 1976 when the opportunity to buy the store presented itself and she has never looked back. She says the only regret is the final decision she was forced to make at the beginning of August this year.

“Oh ya I never regretted it … no regrets I'd still be here if I were younger. Everything has to come to an end.”

“Terrible! I still feel terrible … I mean the neighbours what have they got … they haven't got much left they've got to go elsewhere.”

“I've spent 34 years here and this store has been here since 1896 … it's the end of an era.”

Erma's Variety is more than just bricks and mortar Steven's and her store have been contributing to the community for decades sponsoring dozens of the sports teams and organizations that included the Heritage Festival and Community Living. She says those years gave her great joy and as she heads into retirement she does so with great memories and a heart full of love.

“Fond memories there are too many to name ... they are all fond, except the accidents,” she says as the corner is notorious for accidents.

“We've had a lot of robberies … how many I don't know … oh they are all good memories. I am writing a journal if I ever get finished but there's been good memories … there's a few bad ones, but you've got to expect that.”

Stevens says one of the stories that does stand out from over the years is when she was on holidays and BayToday ran the headline 'Erma's almost a drive through'.

“I was in Florida when I pulled that up,” she laughs.

“I opened it up and said oh my God Erma's becomes a drive in ... what the hell now!”

Stevens will have no down time in her retirement as she volunteers at the carousel and spends her winters in Florida.

Erma and her family are hosting an open house this afternoon (Thursday) from 2pm till 8pm in appreciation of their loyal customers and the community that has offered Stevens and her family a great living.

“I basically love people that's all.”

“It's going to be a big day … a sad day … a sad day,” she says with tears in her eyes.

“It's a shame they need a store here badly.”

Stevens will continue to call the corner home as the store will now be renovated and made into an apartment for her and her partner.