‘Part of the neighbourhood’s history’: Minto staple B.C. Grocery shutters

Gary Achtemichuk stopped at his favourite Winnipeg corner store for relish.

Unlike similar trips over the last four decades, he left with a surprise: B.C. Grocery, a Minto neighbourhood staple, was closing its doors.

Owner Lechman Parboji officially shuttered the shop Monday after 42 years at its helm. On Wednesday, movers hauled equipment out, making room for a new three-bedroom apartment suite — one the Parboji family intends to use, at least initially.

“The whole neighbourhood is going to miss him,” Achtemichuk said. “He was the friendliest gentleman you’d ever want to talk to.”

B.C. Grocery was there in a pinch when extra milk was needed for dinner, Achtemichuk added.

Liz Jackimec, a fellow local, found herself running to 798 Strathcona St. when she was short an onion or other produce.

“It’s part of the neighbourhood’s history,” Jackimec said. “Everybody who lives in the neighbourhood, I’m sure, has stepped foot in B.C. Grocery.”

Parboji bought the corner store business in 1984, when he was 30. He’d been contemplating his career; a friend told him to run a convenience store in the meantime, he said.

He’s since seen customers’ children and grandchildren grow. He watched traffic boom before Winnipeg Blue Bombers games at the now long-demolished stadium nearby, when people rushed to grab a quick snack.

The shop offered butcher meats into the 1990s. Parboji’s wife, J.P., was a constant, and his children often lent hands.

“We want to thank the neighbourhood for supporting us for this long,” Parboji said Wednesday, pausing from packing.

The COVID-19 pandemic was tough on business, his family said. B.C. Grocery is also near many retailers, including Winnipeg’s largest mall, CF Polo Park.

Parboji, 72, is retiring.

Chain retailers, the illegal cigarette trade and rising cost of living have all contributed to a decline in the number of corner stores, said Kenny Shim.

He heads the United Korean Canadian Industry Association; it’s lost half its membership over the last 25 years, he said.

The association counts roughly 3,000 members. At least 70 independent convenience stores in Winnipeg remain part of the group, Shim added.

“It’ll still be there — everybody needs it,” Shim said of the industry, adding in Ontario, business has improved because of new alcohol sales.

Shim said the group is advocating for the federal government to take more action against the illegal cigarette trade.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com