THUNDER BAY -- Staff at North American Lumber in Thunder Bay are breathing sighs of relief after learning that the store is staying open under new ownership.
In May, the Winnipeg-based company announced it would shut its retail outlet at Miles and Vickers Streets at the end of August, costing eleven full-time people their jobs.
But now, North American Lumber has reached a purchase agreement with Mill Street and Company's subsidiary The Fastway Group.
The agreement covers all eleven existing retail stores in northwestern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
North American Lumber has been selling lumber, hardware and building materials for 110 years.
In a news release, company president Martha Konantz says she is "very pleased for the company, its staff and the continuing legacy of this great brand."
Thunder Bay store manager Ken Depiero said it's been a rollercoaster ride for workers at the store over the last couple of months.
News of the purchase of the company "came as a shock, but it certainly is a welcome one," Depiero told Tbnewswatch on Monday.
He said long-term employees, in particular, were upset, angry and anxious after the initial announcement of the shutdown back in May.
Having to watch the contents of his store "being sold out, after 24 years of being here," was not a pleasant experience for Depiero personally.
He noted that he's hearing from customers of the 50-year-old Thunder Bay business who are grateful that a buyer has been found and that "we're gonna be here...and are looking for 50 more."
A lot of the stock had been sold in preparation for closure, but Depiero said truckloads of new supplies are already on order for restocking.
