{
  "id": 5216978,
  "title": "‘Part of the neighbourhood’s history’: Minto staple B.C. Grocery shutters",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/part-of-the-neighbourhoods-history-minto-staple-b-c-grocery-shutters",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-03T01:20:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/2026/09/02/part-of-the-neighbourhoods-history-minto-staple-b-c-grocery-shutters"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Minto neighbourhood, a beloved Winnipeg corner store, B.C. Grocery, announced its closure after 42 years of operation. Owner Lechman Parboji, who bought the business in 1984, officially shut down the shop on Monday. The store's significance to the community was evident as residents reminisced about the friendly proprietor and frequent stops for basic necessities. Owner Lechman Parboji, a longtime fixture in the neighbourhood, expressed gratitude for the community's support during his tenure. The closure of B.C. Grocery highlights the challenges faced by corner stores, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, illegal cigarette trade, and rising costs of living. Local business groups advocate for the federal government to address these issues and support the remaining independent convenience stores in Winnipeg.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "B.C. Grocery closed after 42 years in Minto neighbourhood",
    "Owner Lechman Parboji bought the business in 1984",
    "Closure due to pandemic, illegal trade, and rising costs"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The closure of B.C. Grocery underscores the struggles of corner stores, particularly in the face of rising costs and pandemic impacts, leaving neighbourhoods to lose a local staple.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}