A family business in Richmond will close its doors this week after serving the community for 44 years.
Budget Appliances, at Moncton Street in Steveston, has been a staple in the village since 1977, but will serve its last customer this Thursday.
“We feel sad to go,” said Andrew Floreano, the store manager, adding that it’s a tough decision for them to close, as they’ve been a part of the community for quite a long time.
Many people were saddened to hear the news of closure and took to Facebook to share their memories and distress.
Comments included people saying the repairman from Budget fixed their washers quickly during the beginning of the pandemic, which saved them thousands of dollars.
And some opined that Steveston is losing business diversity and they would be saddened if another restaurant or gelato replaced Budget.
Budget Appliances operates another location in Surrey, which is where its warehouse is located.
However, the Steveston store manager told the Richmond News that the warehouse has been sold recently and it’s “too big of an undertaking” for them to find another one.
However, Floreano said they considered the timing is right since his dad, the store owner, is already in his 80s and ready to enjoy his retirement after running the family business for decades.
