A long-time Steveston business that catered to local residents' vacuum and sewing needs is closing its doors after 28 years.
Laara's Vacuums on Moncton Street and No. 1 Road announced the store will permanently close on May 31.
Owner Laara Tylor described the past few years as "very challenging" for the business.
The vacuum store, which used to be open daily, has had to reduce its operating hours and days due to declining sales, she explained.
"Online sales were becoming the norm as a lot of people during and after COVID-19 found it easier to go online and not go into a store," Tylor told the Richmond News.
"Plus, sometimes, unfortunately, it is cheaper to order online."
Laara's Vacuums has been the local authorized Miele dealer since the 1990s. Tylor said brands such as Miele have shifted business models to being readily available at big box stores and online.
People often forget the small businesses and take their money to the "bigger outfits," she said.
Despite Tylor having retired and moved out of Richmond due to health reasons, she is most grateful to her loyal staff member Janet, who has been running the business on her own since COVID-19.
"Janet is also responsible for the whimsical window Minion displays that rotate year round, which everyone in the community looks forward to seeing, as well as creating the annual scarecrows made out of vacuum parts.
"As a local, she is very community-oriented and wanted to make the vacuum store more friendly, fun and family-oriented so cleaning wasn't so serious. So many people would stop by and chat, too."
From door-to-door sales to retail
Tylor started selling Electrolux vacuum cleaners in shopping malls and door to door in 1977, before opening her first store in 1998.
Laara's Vacuums was originally on Moncton Street near Second Avenue before moving to its current location, which used to be a CIBC bank and parking lot.
"Though we rented, we spent $80,000 to build this new addition, which is the small store that we're currently in," she said.
At Laara's Vacuums, customers could buy vacuums, vacuum supplies and get their vacuums repaired.
Over the years, Tylor has seen many well-established Steveston businesses shut down.
"It's truly sad that there are so many long-time establishments closing down in Steveston, but that's part of our changing times."
Owner grateful to loyal customers
Meeting new and returning customers has been the most enjoyable part of running the business, Tylor said.
"Despite our struggles, we are beyond grateful and thankful for all our customers, new and old, who have supported us for almost three decades. It's the people who make the difference," she said.
"It's also a testament to Steveston that you can still walk into an old-time store, and be greeted by first name sometimes or a smile where you recognize your customers and have a brief chat."
While Laara's Vacuums store is closing at the end of the month, Tylor is hoping to maintain their repair services as they plan to keep their telephone number to help customers during the transition.
She is also trying to find other stores in Steveston that will sell vacuum supplies to their customers, so they don't have to leave Richmond.
"It's been nice to have a local vacuum store all these years for them. Our goal is to help our customers, even after the store closes."
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