The Citizen, 1995-08-30, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1995.
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On June 25, 1986 the new EMA food store
opened on the corner of Thomas and Turnberry
Streets, on the site of the former Queen's Hotel in
Brussels.
Owners Allan and Marjorie Teeft reflect that the
first couple of years in a new town with an
unknown food store banner was a definite
challenge. The hours were long, Allan says, and
the business painstakingly slow to develop. "But
we were confident that if we treated our customers
in a friendly honest manner and gave good value
improve."
And improve it did. In 1992 Allan says business
„had grown to the point that the store was
becoming cramped and inefficient. "The
customers and staff were patient but we knew that
we had to take a deep breath and invest in the
future."
In February of 1993 the 6,000 square foot EMA
was expanded and transformed into a modern
10,500 sq. ft. IGA. This was joined, by a common
lobby, to a new branch of the CIBC, complete
with a 24-hour money machine.
Asked if he has any regrets, Allan says,
absolutely none. We have a wonderful staff and a
strong customer base. Brussels is a great place to
live and operate a business."
"If you're going to compete with the company
owned chain stores in the larger towns you have to
be prepared to re-invest your time and resources
back into your own community. I honestly feel
that our customers know it makes sense to shop at
home but it's up to us to earn their business."
Pictures representing the history and highlights
of Brussels IGA are, from top to bottom: owner
Allan Teeft stands in the doorway of the 10,000
plus square foot IGA, adjacent to the new CIBC;
the glorious old Queen's Hotel makes room for
progress; Queen and Thomas Sts., home of the
new EMA , circa 1986; EMA celebrates its fifth
anniversary.