Frieda says, although she would “never say never,” she doesn’t have any plans to open another store in the manner she operates now in another location. An important element of the business was its ability to evolve with the times, remaining unique, with a strong focus on supplying customers with what they were looking for. In order to survive with competition from “big box” retailers, the business had to find a niche.
“Our niche market was to stay with quality and stay with Canadian-made where possible,” Frieda says. “When we started back after it was the working man’s store, we made a concerted effort to suit the specific needs of our customers.”
Joseph and Aida Fritz, Frieda’s parents, started the recycling business in 1942. After the Second World War, Aida started the store as a war surplus outlet. After that, it developed into a family outfitter store.
In the mid-1970s, when Frieda and Gerd moved to the Valley from Toronto to take over the business from Aida, Fritz’s was a store specializing in clothing, footwear and accessories for the working man. That’s when they had the boot made, dark brown for years before being painted yellow.
Following the recession of the late 1980s and early 1990s, a lot of Fritz’s suppliers went out of business. The Burgers closed the store in 1994 - but this didn’t last. Frieda started back as a special order service, which set the tone for the new store, Fritz’s “Just For You.”
Frieda says they are proud to have employed so many people over the years, many involved in employment programs, and she would love to have former workers stop in and say “hello.” By sharing their knowledge, Frieda says she hopes they’ve been able to help people as they’ve gone to work in other places.
Frieda and Gerd have been recognized on several occasions for their commitment to the community. They received the Small Business of the Year Award from the Eastern Kings Chamber of Commerce in 2002 and, in 2009, Frieda was recognized with an EKCC Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2010, Fritz’s was voted the Best Clothing Store in Kings County as part of the EKCC’s Best of Kings event.
The Burgers have raised funds for the Valley Regional Hospital Auxiliary, Camp Brigadoon, the Victorian Order of Nurses and many other charitable causes. When her mother passed away in 1998, Frieda set up Aida’s Fund in her honour, raising money for VON palliative-care training.
To watch a video featuring Frieda discussing Fritz’s and the big boot, click on the “Video” tab above…
