The long-time proprietor of a music store in Sarnia is getting ready to pack up his gear and enjoy retirement.
Mark Dixon, 65, recently announced his retirement from Picker's Alley after 41 years in business. The musical instrument store, located on Exmouth Street, first opened in 1984.
Dixon told Sarnia News Today he's happy about the decision but it's "bittersweet."
"I've been here a long time and it's going to be hard to say goodbye to everyone. Also, I'll miss the work, even though it's quite hard running your own business," said Dixon.
He said now seemed like the right time to step away seeing as he's of retirement age and the store has gotten to be a lot of work, with just him and Tony Zangolli currently managing the day-to-day operations.
"I think this is the time for me to do something more. I'm not going to treat my retirement like a couch potato, I'm going to do some things I've never done," Dixon said. "We got a camper van a couple of months ago and I think I'm going to use it."
Dixon said he plans to travel across Canada and potentially visit parts of the U.S.
Despite Dixon's departure from the store, it will not close its doors for good. Long & McQuade Musical Instruments Ltd., a national chain with over 100 locations, will take ownership on March 17.
"I think it's the best scenario for me and for Sarnia because I'm sure no one would have thanked me if I just wound the business down and closed the store up," Dixon said. "That wouldn't have been very good because there's not too many of us brick and mortar places left and I know that people appreciate it. The least I could do is hand it off to somebody else who I know will bring great service and great quality merchandise to Sarnia."
Dixon thanked the community for the support over the years as well as past employees.