Vancouver family-run outdoor gear shop 3 Vets to close after 70 years in business

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      A popular family-run Vancouver outdoor and travel gear store in Mount Pleasant is shutting down after 70 years in business.

      The 10,000-square-feet shop 3 Vets, located at 2200 Yukon Street, will close later this year.

      Bill Wolfman, a Second World War veteran, opened the business in 1947 by selling military surplus supplies to address a local bedding shortage and to provide supplies to miners, loggers, and construction workers.

      Their range of merchandise expanded to include housewares, fishing and camping gear, emergency preparedness supplies, rain gear, travel accessories, and even vintage-wool Swedish officer jackets. They also offered repairs for lanterns and stoves.

      The business often served police officers, firemen, ambulance personnel, and film crews.

      3 Vets

      Bill's son Jerry, who co-owns the business with his brother Keith, told the CBC that a land developer approached them with a deal they decided to accept.

      Jerry also told the Vancouver Courier that the increase in big-box competitors, the growth of the online marketplace, and increasing property taxes also factored into their decision.

      3 Vets was originally located at 832 Main Street.
      3 Vets

      The store was originally located at 832 Main Street but had to move in the 1960s due to the construction of the Georgia Viaduct.

      Vancouverites will have until November 1 to visit the store before it closes its doors forever.

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