Oliver and I took our last run up to Sears tonight; it closes on Monday forever, so we didn’t quite make it to the end, but we were close enough. And given that we were pictured in The Guardian on opening day, we can truly say we were around for the entire 13 year run.

Sears in Charlottetown always seemed like an implausible proposition, and I can’t recall ever visiting the store when it seemed remotely busy. But we bought a lot of sheets and pillows and towels there over the years, a couple of appliances, three mattresses, several suitcases and a smattering of clothes.

For things like sheets and towels, I’ve no idea where else on Prince Edward Island one might buy such things now that Eatons and Sears are both gone. The Internet, I suppose?

The final weeks at Sears were a fascinating look at what’s left over when everyone’s bought everything: from the look of things tonight, it’s small men’s shirts, sheets for twin beds, Lagostina frying pans, and curiously compelling stationery.

It was the stationery that was my last purchase: we waited in line for 20 minutes for the privilege of buying half a dozen gold ink pens, a collection of beautiful, simple, colorful greeting cards and a pencil case.

Goodbye Sears: I never really loved you, but I’ve a feeling you will be missed.