BY KIRK STARRATT
Kings County Advertiser/Register
What will become of Fritz’s big boot on the roof?
One of the building’s new owners says there are no plans to remove the icon, while the former owner says that’s undetermined.
Fritz’s “Just For You” has evolved a great deal, but has a lineage dating back 68 years. Although they haven’t sold the business itself, owners Frieda and Gerd Burger have sold their building and the enviro-depot recycling division of Joseph Fritz Enterprises Limited. A closing out sale is taking place at Fritz’s and a tentative closing date of Sept. 30 has been set for the Commercial Street location.
As she prepared for the sale Aug. 18, Frieda said the matter has been the subject of a great deal of speculation but, with the building under new ownership, it is undetermined what exactly would happen to the big yellow boot on the roof. The boot and the phrase “Under the boot” have been integral elements of Fritz’s marketing and advertising campaigns over the years.
However, the new owners don’t see the boot going anywhere. Licia Wack of Greenwood Recycling, who, along with husband Andrew Hutt, has purchased the enviro-depot recycling division of Fritz’s and the building; says they have no plans to remove it.
“It’s staying,” she says. “It’s always been its home.”
“Our niche market was to stay with quality and stay with Canadian-made where possible. 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.” - Frieda Burger of Fritz's "Just For You"
In fact, Wack says they are trying to design a graphic for the recycling business that incorporates a pair of boots in recognition of the New Minas landmark. They have ordered pennants to place on the boot to reassure community members that it will be staying.
Wack says they have been getting a lot of calls from people concerned the enviro-depot would be closing, but this is not the case. As they prepare to carry on the recycling business, Wack says, “we wish Frieda and Gerd all the best in their future endeavors.”
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