Where I grew up in Ontario, we went to our corner variety store for all our smaller staples and the good horseradish we couldn’t get anywhere else. I loved the short walk there, the friendly service and my ability to purchase penny candy on the sly from my parents.
I have the same feeling here in Nelson when I go to Burrell Grocery situated on the corner of Robson and Stanley streets. I now boldly purchase Nelson Chocofellar’s bars out in the open, and fresh farm eggs, lettuce greens and quick dinners.
The owners of Burrell Grocery, Chris and Lehna Kanski, are a warm, friendly couple who welcome everyone, pets included. They have installed a railing for safer access off the street for seniors. They enjoy the kids who frequent the store after school and who are presently shopping like crazy so that the couple can stay in business. They continue to be cheerful and helpful despite having had to lay off their staff as quite simply not enough people are shopping there for the store to remain viable long-term.
What has happened? It seems that people don’t know where to find them; new young folks in town don’t know they are there and the established folks aren’t shopping at the store enough to keep it afloat. Please see the Go-fundme page for a more comprehensive background of what has occurred at the little corner variety store.
I encourage everyone in Uphill to buy your fresh Uphill Bakery bread there, your ice cream, coffee, chocolate, dairy staples and anything you might need for your dinner but don’t want to go back downtown to get. Prices are competitive and you’ll even find cottage-industry gems like natural deodorant by the till.
Experience the charm of shopping as locally as it gets, in the most genuinely neighbourhood atmosphere available anywhere in our beautiful town. Your purchases ensure that the shelves will be restocked. Support our local store before it’s too late.
Kimberley Hyatt
Nelson