A downtown Minden landmark will look just a little bit different next spring.
Under new ownership, Stedmans V&S Department Store is planning to close its doors in January for extensive renovations, lasting until spring.
Faisal Rasool, who purchased the business from John and Robyn Thomas in September, said he’s excited to expand the store’s selection of craft supplies, stationary, sweet treats and seasonal products for Christmas, Halloween and more.
To make room, the store will be expanding into what was a storage area.
While the store might look different inside, Rasool said he’s eager to continue the Stedmans tradition.
“[The store] means a lot to people, especially elderly people, because it’s kind of like their childhood store. It’s a store for everything,” Rasool said.
“Clothing is so important for people. Yarn is important for them and there’s lots of other stuff they rely on. So, we’ll try to meet their requirements.”
He originally planned to change the name, but customers convinced him it was important to carry on the Stedmans legacy. “I’m like, ‘a new name is not going to do any good for me. We’ll keep the same name’… people are really happy about it.”
Rasool, living in Bowmanville, operates stores in communities such as Bobcaygeon and Lindsay.
He said he’s enjoyed getting to know Minden Hills. “I’ve been coming to the area for quite a few years,” he said. “And I always loved it, it’s beautiful.”
Creating a positive experience for shoppers of all kinds is a key value he brings to his stores, he said. “Serving people and seeing them happy going out the door, it’s really satisfying.”
