After more than 60 years in business, Kitchener’s staple staff has to say a final goodbye to its customers.
Forwell Super Variety has been on Lancaster Street since 1961.
Manager Tracy Schneider said, “As a family, we have decided that we must close.
Schneider said it was a difficult decision but had to be made because of the looming Lancaster Street road construction project. Schneider said the store is dilapidated and in need of repair, and he worries that the family isn’t worth keeping the store open.
Schneider’s father, Ed Fowell, opened the Kitchener store a year after his brother Joe opened the first Fowell on King Street and University Avenue in Waterloo. The Waterloo store closed in 2012 after more than 50 years.
A third store was then opened in Heidelberg by Joe’s son-in-law. It was eventually sold by the family and still remains under another owner.
Schneider said his fondest memories of the store are those of his 30 years working with his father.
“My dad said, ‘Sleep here in the office,’ so we slept in the office, ate snacks and read magazines. Apparently we were security guards when we were 15.” said Schneider.
Her father worked most of the time until his death in 2018.
Schneider said he still had no heart to fill his empty seat, but he continued to feel his presence.
“Girls joke when something falls off a shelf and say, ‘Eddie, you’re teasing us again,'” laughed Schneider.
With good memories come sad memories, and Schneider said it was difficult to comprehend closing the store permanently.
“I don’t want to cry. But it was a very emotional time making this decision,” Schneider said.
Notice to Forwell Super Variety customers. (CTV News/Spencer Turcotte)
It’s an emotional farewell to our customers.
“There are other convenience stores, but they are just business chains. This is a mom and dad store and you have a personal connection with the employees,” said customer Eric Knight.
Customers came to Fowell for convenience, but stayed for 62 years for friendship.
January 31st is the last business day.
