Iconic Vancouver outdoor store closing after 70 years in business
CBC News | Posted: April 25, 2017 2:45 PM | Last Updated: April 26, 2017
Property sold to land developers as owners retire in November
After 70 years in business, Vancouver's popular travel and camping gear store, 3 Vets, is closing for good in November.
"It is incredibly difficult for me and my brother," said co-owner Jerry Wolfman.
"My father founded it in 1947 when he got out of the military."
Jerry Wolfman said a land developer approached the family earlier this year, in the hopes they would want to sell the building at 2200 Yukon Street.
"They came with an overwhelming offer and we just couldn't refuse it," he said.
Jerry and his brother Keith joined the family business in the late 1960's but now the two are ready to retire.
"My brother and I have just decided it's time to semi-retire and move onto other things."
The family had considered selling the business and the land together but said with today's property values, it was difficult to find a buyer for both.
"The property being worth as much as it is, it would be difficult for somebody looking to buy a business in today's world who would be able to afford to buy both the business and the inventory and the property from us."
3 Vets will be open until November 1.
With files from Deborah Goble