As rain continues to fall this weekend, one local store that has kept Vancouverites dry for more than 80 years will be closing its doors.
The first Umbrella Shop opened more than 80 years ago.
The shop’s Granville Island location has already closed down, with two others – one on West Broadway and the other on West Pender – to follow suit by the end of the year.
“I have not had great health for about the last two years, and my partner, my brother Glenn, who really is the umbrella man, passed away three years ago,” said Corry Flader, a third-generation umbrella maker and president of the shop.
“So it’s been three years without my partner, two years with my health declining. It was time to say goodbye.”
But she said the response has been overwhelming.
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“I can’t believe it, we’ve just been inundated with beautiful, beautiful, thank-you’s from all over the world. Actually last week I think I cried every day at least five times.”
She said the shop and her family will always be grateful for the support.
“I can’t thank the people of Vancouver and our customers enough.”