The store shelves were emptying out and the fixtures were being sold off last week as Zellers closed its doors after 30 years at Haney Place Mall.

Sheila Rach, who has worked at the Zellers cash till for more than 21 years, said that over the decades she has built up relationships with both her colleagues and customers.

"A lady came in and thanked me for my years of service," Rach said on Friday while reminiscing about her years with the retailer.

The store will now undergo major renovations to become a Target, set to open in November.

Rach liked to meet with her regular customers, and gave special attention to kids and people with developmental delays.

One mother commented to her recently that "you've always been good to my kids."

Rach worked as a full-time employee at the Haney location of Zellers, and she felt there was a good rapport among the staff, between all ages of employees.

"Everybody likes everybody - we're all tight," she said.

If someone new was hired at the store, Rach would introduce him or her to everyone.

"We're all friendly - you don't make [new employees] feel like an outcast," she said.

Cheryl Cloutier, who just received her 25-year pin from Zellers' parent company HBC, said a lot of retired and former employees still stay in touch.

"It's like a family... I can honestly say we all love each other," Cloutier said.

Maple Ridge resident Ken McCuaig took advantage of some last-minute deals at Zellers, buying cans of Chunky soup, which were on sale for 69 cents a can, normally $1.49.

McCuaig said he would miss Zellers, where he'd get his prescriptions filled and buy cat litter and clothing.

"They had a lot of good stuff," he said.

Shopper Michelle Leppington was at Zellers on Friday with her two young daughters, also looking for last-minute deals.

"I should have come sooner," she said about shopping just three days before the closing.

Target will be renovating the interior and exterior of the existing building. Recently, the retailer was approved to add almost 26,000 square feet, which would bring the total space to more than 110,000 square feet.

mrantanen@mrtimes.com