Albert Siemons confirmed with KelownaNow on Friday, May 12 that he will be extending the closure of his store. Click here to get more details on hours of operation for the final week.

Odds are, if you have lived in Kelowna long enough, you've been inside the Army Surplus Warehouse, or at least heard of it. 

Located at the corner of Dayton Street and Dolphin Avenue, the business has been in operation for 33 years, but will be shutting its doors this Saturday. 

The store is one-of-a-kind and the only dedicated army surplus store in the Valley.

Photo Credit: Corvin VaskiAlbert Siemons In front of his business

Owner Albert Siemons used to be in the wholesale business, supplying stores across the country similar to the one he would eventually open . 

When he moved to Kelowna from the coast, he realized that there were no customers for the wholesale business and thought he might as well open his own.

“When I started out, everybody considered me crazy because this was a dead-end street,” Siemons told KelownaNow. 

“There were no Landmark buildings, there was nothing around, people told me, 'nobody will ever find you,' it was not an obvious place.”

He justified choosing the location by saying it is halfway to the mall, halfway to downtown and in the middle of Springfield Road and Harvey Avenue/Highway 97.

“If you want to find me, you will find me and that has proven right,” Siemons added.

The location didn't end up being a problem, as towers and other businesses sprouted up all around him over the years.

Customers found the store, and in the process, became lifelong customers. 

Photo Credit: Corvin VaskiAlbert Siemons striking a conversation with new customers

“I got customers from Fort McMurray to Prince George, and they’re regulars," Siemons said. "Everybody seems to come to Kelowna, and they always come to say hello."

It is easy to understand why customers have returned year after year, as Siemons is a very friendly and personable person. 

You walk in the door and he greets you, and it is very easy to spark up an interesting conversation with him about all topics, especially history. 

“The relationships with the customers has been more than just selling them a pair of pants or a cap," Siemons explained. "You get to know them over the years and it became very personal, almost like a social institution."

Siemons has a lot of favourite memories while being in business, but the thing he has enjoyed the most is the diversity of his customers and business dealings. 

“I deal not just with the working customers, but I do a lot with movies, with theatre, all kinds of things all over the province and even further away,” he added.

Photo Credit: Corvin VaskiAlbert Siemons and his Mercedes

Even though the store is closing, Siemons will have plenty of other things to keep himself busy.

He collects army vehicles and older models of Mercedes cars and restores them, including the one he drives to work.

May 13 is the last day the store will be open, with Siemons spending the following two weeks cleaning and packing. 

He is still looking for someone to buy the remainder of his merchandise or at least a chunk of it. If you are interested, you can give him a call at (250) 868-2286.