Closing of store marks end of an era for Debert
Barnhill’s convenience has been in business for almost 100 years
For 96 years it’s been a mainstay, family business and information-central in this small village. But come Aug. 30, Barnhill’s Superette in Debert will be closing its doors for good.
“The biggest thing you can remember is all the people you’ve met and the contacts you’ve had,” said owner Randy Barnhill, 63. “There’s been customers here we’ve been dealing with for three generations. If it wasn’t for those loyal customers, we wouldn’t have lasted this long.”
Randy estimates the store has actually been serving the community for about 150 years. Several different owners operated it until his grandfather, Charles Homer Barnhill, purchased it on June 8, 1921.
At that point, it became Barnhill’s General Store.
In 1961, when Randy’s father Wendell bought the store, it was still operated in the old-fashioned tradition of general stores of the day.
“Everyone would bring in their little note and you would go fill their order for them,” he said.
That continued until 1970 when Wendell renovated the store to make it self serve and changed the name to Barnhill’s Superette.
Randy had always worked around the store while growing up but after getting a university degree in commerce, he went to work for a bank.
“In eight years I was at seven different places, just constantly moving.”
So, in 1983, when his father
asked if he would be interested in taking over the business, Randy decided to move home and put down roots.
“You never, ever get rid of that small town or village in your blood, so I decided to take the
store over from him.”
And one of the biggest adjustments he had to make after his stint sitting at a desk, was coping with the physical demands involved with stocking shelves.
“I lost 20 pounds in the first month.”
Over the 34 years he has owned the store, Randy has witnessed many changes in the retail business and with the face of the community itself.
“When I grew up, there were six stores in Debert and four places where you could buy gas. You can’t buy gas here anymore.”
And while Randy is grateful for the loyal customers who have helped sustain his family’s business for almost 100 years, he is
ready to put the day-to-day grind behind him and close his cash register drawer for good.
“You get worn out doing the same thing, although every day is different,” he said. “It’s just always there. You are never really away from it.”
What he’ll miss, however, is the close customer contact.
“You always get all the dirt and the gossip and stuff going on,” Randy said. “Another thing I’ll miss too, it’s kind of funny, but if the power ever goes off, within five minutes you’re guaranteed 10 phone calls. “Have you got power? Well, why is it off and how long is it going to be off… as if we’re supposed to know these things,” he chuckled.
They had one woman who would call to ask what day it was. Other calls were to ask what the legion was serving for supper, or if there were any apartments for rent in the community.
“Things like that,” he said. “Information central.”
Randy appreciates all those who shopped at the store over the years and “all the great staff we’ve had.”
But with his 89-year-old father needing more care, Randy said the time has come to turn his attention elsewhere.
“That was my biggest reason to retire, I’d like to spend time with him while he’s here.”