For more than six decades, Milk Marc was not just part of the city’s landscape but rather it was woven into the everyday rhythms of Sarnia life. It was the kind of neighbourhood store where everyone knew the counter staff, where children grew up buying penny candy, and where the owner might greet you by […]
For more than six decades, Milk Marc was not just part of the city’s landscape but rather it was woven into the everyday rhythms of Sarnia life. It was the kind of neighbourhood store where everyone knew the counter staff, where children grew up buying penny candy, and where the owner might greet you by name no matter how many years had passed.
That owner was Bob Guibert, whose family officially opened their first shop on March 1, 1960. He remembers this date well, since his mother was exactly three months pregnant with him at the time.
“My parents came to Canada from France in the early 1950’s,” he said. “They started in Yellowknife, saved their money, and eventually found their way to Sarnia. My dad [Emile] read about 'an old guy like me' that wanted to sell his business and retire. It was a variety store on Errol Road and Mathews Street. They bought it after working there for a bit. March 1st, 1960, my dad and my mom started their first business.”
Bob grew up living above that first store. He remembers slipping downstairs to the shop like it was an extension of home.
“We sold a lot of toys, and a pop and a bag of chips were 25 cents. Being a kid in a candy store seems dreamlike now,” he shared. “Life was good. It was a less complicated time.”
Over the next 65 years, the Guibert's expanded across Sarnia and operated a total of 14 locations. At its peak, as many as "12 at one time, and gradually over time seven, five, then three, and two.. and now just one," Bob explained. Each store had its own personality and its own role within the neighbourhood it served.
“Some just sold convenience. Others had gasoline, propane, magazines and newspapers, bakery and deli counters, subs and sandwiches, Canada Post outlets, and for the last 25 years, a Canada Post Franchise,” Bob recalls. “It has been a good way of life to sustain a living for three families over all this time. Never easy. It seemed to get harder with each passing decade.”
He credits the success of the stores to the people who worked in them and to the customers who kept coming back.
“Over 65 years, we probably had over 5,000 staff and millions of customers,” he said. “There were staff who stayed 20, 30, almost 40 years. You learn so much from them. Customers still come in from the 60’s and 70’s to see me and them. What is better than that?”
One of Bob’s favourite memories has taken on the quality of a family legend.
He was around five years old when it happened. A customer named Norm, who often helped fix and build things, slid across the icy parking lot one winter day and crashed his car straight through the store’s enormous 10×6 front window. The window display at the time featured beautiful fine china.
“Bits of broken glass and china flying through the air and a Chevy making its own parking space,” Bob recalled. “The poor cashier is behind the counter one second, and the next there is Normy directly behind her looking up from behind the wheel. Both in shock for the moment, Normy gathers his wit, rolls down the window and says, ‘Well as long as I am here, can I have a pack of Export A please?’”
Norm was indeed the one who repaired the window. As Bob said, “He was already there.”
Bob believes the heart of Milk Marc was not the merchandise or the layout but the people who filled the space every day.
“I do not know anything else. This has always been my community and I never felt I needed something else. I love it here,” he said.
He always wanted the stores to feel like comfortable, friendly places to work. “I decided early that when my staff saw me coming into work, I did not want them feeling ‘here comes the boss.’ I wanted them as comfortable with me as with their friends and family. Happy at home. Happy at work.”
After 55 years in business, Bob has seen nearly every shift in convenience retail.
“The biggest changes. Corporations and technology,” he said. “These two things continuously chew away at our profitability. New generations will find ways to counter this. If I had more time, I would still engage competitively. Always a way.”
He encourages young entrepreneurs to stay optimistic and grounded.
“Love what you do and do what you love. Spend more time with family and friends if you can. Life goes by fast.”
The final Milk Marc store on Indian Road remains open for now.
“Time is a thief, and I have to face the reality of leaving this final store someday. But not today,” he said. “I honestly do not know moment to moment. I am going to wing it.”
As for retirement, Bob has not settled on a plan.
“That is a good question. I have absolutely no idea,” he said. “Spending more time with Lizzy [wife] just might be enough though.”
When asked how he wants Milk Marc to be remembered, Bob answers with characteristic humility.
“There are people who do not even know my parents, brother, and sister and their involvements,” he said. “I did not do this by myself. Not even close.”
Milk Marc was not just a corner store. It was a gathering place, a constant presence, and a thread that helped stitch together decades of local life. The city grew up around it, and those who stepped inside always felt the warmth of a place that understood its community.
Would he do it all over again?
“Yes,” he said immediately. “Parts of it no of course. But I would fix that this time. Smile.”
Milk Marc’s story is one that belongs to Sarnia as much as it belongs to the Guibert family. It is a story of perseverance, family, laughter, and the simple joy of showing up for your community every day for 65 years.
