Corner store cornerstone

In Gimli, Manitoba, there exists a general store that has been in operation for over 125 years and is considered the oldest general store in Western Canada. Stefan Tergesen, the fourth-generation proprietor, aims to provide a pleasant shopping experience for all who enter the store. The store, located on the west side of Lake Winnipeg, offers a wide variety of merchandise, including clothing, candy, candles, sunglasses, footwear, handbags, backpacks, jewelry, watches, toys, and Gimli-related items.

The store, which spans 5,000 square feet, prides itself on being a unique and unwavering establishment that doesn't rely on fancy electronics or groceries to attract customers. In fact, Tergesen jokes that they don't want to sell all their customers' clothes, but rather their favorite clothes. One of the most frequent complaints they receive is that items fit perfectly.

The store's history dates back to 1898 when Hans Pjetur Tergesen, an Icelandic settler, arrived in Manitoba and saw an opportunity to establish a business in Gimli. He built the store at the corner of 1st Avenue and Centre Street, where it still stands today. After his retirement, Tergesen's sons, Joe and Robert, took over the general store, while Robert ran a pharmacy on the other side of the store for several decades.

Stefan joined the family business after his brother Terry settled in Winnipeg and started a family. Initially, Stefan was hesitant to take on the role, as he was travelling the world and working as a waiter. However, after his brother passed away in 1991, Stefan stepped in to take over the business. Over the next decade, he grew the business by introducing new products that appealed to younger customers and hired employees who were outgoing and friendly with customers.

Today, the store brings in half of its annual revenue during the summer months and employs around 20 people, including Tergesen's mother, Lorna, who shows up most days to oversee the book section.