GORE BAY—Dean and Shirley Moss, owners of Dean’s Valu-Mart in Gore Bay for close to 23 years, have decided to sell their business back to Loblaws, effective October 18.
“We would like to thank the community of Gore Bay and surrounding areas for their support through the years. We are thankful for the opportunity to have served the community and been a part of numerous organizations’ fundraising initiatives,” stated Mr. Moss.
This fall, the store will see renovations and will become a “Your Independent Grocer” next month.
Dean and Shirley became franchisees and officially launched Dean’s Valu-Mart in January 2009.
Throughout their careers, Dean and Shirley have been deeply committed to their community. Their contributions include supporting Manitoulin Family Resources Food Bank, the Gore Bay Rotary Club, the Royal Canadian Legion (Gore Bay) and the Hard of Hearing Association.
The couple noted one standout initiative has been their partnering with Charles C. McLean Public School in Gore Bay, beginning in 2007, to raise funds for the Manitoulin Food Bank through the sales of Kindergarten students handmade Christmas ornaments, a project that saw all proceeds donated to Manitoulin Family Resources (MFR).
“We have enjoyed serving the community,” stated Ms. Moss. “We have been at the store through it being a Manitoulin Co-operative to Loblaws and got through the COVID crisis. We have seen a lot of change and new staff, our one constant employee has been Jean Pearson over the years. We have lost employees Bill Graham, and recently Ken Bentley.”
“You have to enjoy life while you can,” said Ms. Moss. “We moved up here in 2003, and we have been here ever since, it is our home. We have no plans to leave when we retire.”
Dean and Shirley have greatly valued their time as franchisees and take pride in having contributed to the growth of their store. As they prepare for retirement, they look forward to completing renovations, enjoying fishing trips and spending cherished time with their grandchildren.
The store will remain a Valu-Mart while renovations occur, and effective November 30, 2025 it will become a “Your Independent Grocer,” under a new owner.
