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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Ken Weaver can't promise another 75 years of Old Town's banner general store, Weaver and Devore.

Ken Weaver is all smiles at Weaver and Devore's 75th anniversary barbecue on Saturday. About 200 well-wishers came to enjoy hot dogs, cake and ice cream throughout the afternoon. - Thandiwe Vela/NNSL photo

While hosting a barbecue Saturday to celebrate the family-run business's 75th anniversary, Weaver, 58, said he and his seven siblings have already poured a lifetime into the general store.

"Honestly, I think it's great we made it this long but I'm not so sure that we have another 75 years left in us," the eldest Weaver said. "It's been a lifetime."

Growing up with now co-owners Bill, Bud, Bob, Robbie, David, Dallas and Terra-Lee, Weaver said the siblings have been working in the store -- started by his grandfather, Harry Weaver, and Bud Devore in 1936 -- since as young as eight and nine years old with tasks such as stocking shelves, bagging groceries and helping customers.

Having many children did provide the family business a rare employment stability not afforded by many companies in the largely transient city of Yellowknife, which may have contributed to the business's longevity.

"I don't think it was so much a strategy but it certainly helped," Weaver said. "It was a great effect mom and dad had so many of us to help run the store because that's what we did from the time we were young. And basically, that's what we do today."

Long-time customer Stuart Oldham, who has been a regular shopper at the store for more than 30 years, says there is much more to Weaver and Devore's prosperity than just employment stability.

"It's a general store that can supply anything and everything," the past Giant Mine and Con Mine mechanical supervisor said. "And it's all good quality stuff. Plus, it's great to keep the money here in Old Town and Yellowknife."

Oldham said he has trusted Weaver and Devore for his underground mining boots and safety gear for his decades in mine work and his mobile mechanical business SNO Enterprises, and also for day-to-day groceries for his Latham Island home.

Weaver said the support they have gotten from the people of Yellowknife and all the communities of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut has been "amazing," and they know many customers by name because they usually return.

"It's very nice that we get a lot of repeat customers," he said. "The fact of the matter is we provide good products at a reasonable, fair price and customer service is definitely something we strive to give."

The day-to-day duties of running the store as well as the company the family acquired in 1978, Territorial Beverages Ltd., has kept them very busy, which is the main reason why Weaver and Devore was never expanded beyond the location on Weaver Drive in Old Town.

"It just wasn't to be," Weaver said, adding, "we weren't that ambitious."

While Weaver can't guarantee another 75 years of the business, he said there are no plans to sell Weaver and Devore's, and the future is now in the hands of the fourth-generation of the family, the sons, daughters, nephews and nieces, who are already helping out with the store now.

"Maybe some of our young people will pick up the ball and carry on the family tradition," he said.

Oldham however, is more optimistic about Weaver and Devore's future.

"Good luck in the next 75 years," he said.

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