Angie Mindus
Staff Writer
Whether he’s there in person or it’s his cardboard cutout, Save-On Foods manager Mark Law has been greeting customers at the Williams Lake store for a dozen years.
But after 42 years in the grocery business, Law is retiring at the end of this month.
“It’s time to go, but it’s going to be hard to leave. For 42 years I’ve known what to do every day … after I retire you might see me sitting in the book aisle (at the store) reading.”
Law said he’s seen many changes since beginning his career back as a teenager bagging groceries in Kitimat for the Overwaitea Food Group.
“It used to be simple,” Law said of witnessing the differences in the generations of workers and also the business itself.
“The biggest change has been in the competition because everyone sells groceries now.”
Law said he’s also noticed a change in consumers, who he said are very deliberate in their shopping choices these days.
“They’re very knowledgable,” Law said, pointing out the popularity in natural, organic foods.
“Shoppers want quality, they want fresh and they want local — we supply all of that.”
Law said he’s had lots of good times throughout his career, recalling all the crazy bugs and beetles that used to come in the banana crates years ago and even an owl that one time flew out of a Christmas tree for sale.
Last year, Law had a trick played on him when his $300 cardboard cutout of himself went missing during grad season and, much to Law’s surprise, began appearing on Facebook and Twitter feeds.
“Four girls stole him grad weekend –– apparently I had quite a good time.”
Law took the prank in stride, and managed to get the cutout back without any harm done.
“It’s a fun place to work — lots of personalities. And the company is great, Jimmy Pattison is the best owner you could ever imagine,” said Law.
“We are basically allowed to run the store as if we own it, with a few guidelines, and that’s worked really well.”
Law made several moves climbing the ladder with the company over the years, but admits he and his family were blown away by the friendly nature of Williams Lake when he, his wife Rita and then five-year-old daughter Megan arrived. Law also has two grown children; Michael and Sarah.
“The citizens of Williams Lake are just so friendly. They greet people with open arms and just let you in,” Law said of the experience.
“That’s why as a store manager it was so important to get out and support the community.”
Every year on Remembrance Day, Save-On provides a beef dip luncheon at the Legion. As well, the store gives out cake in the park on Canada Day and sets up a large booth at the Harvest Fair.
“We have a lot of fun. People are very appreciative and it’s nice to get the store out of the store.”
In that spirit of giving, Law is inviting everyone to come into the store Friday, Jan. 31, on his last day and have a piece of cake with him, on the house.
Law said after he retires he hopes to indulge in hobbies such as woodworking, hiking, canoeing and fishing.
“I have many favourite lakes in the area and a new boat.”