Alberts closes doors after six decades

By Gillian Slade on June 29, 2018.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com  @MHNGillianSlade

A family business closed its doors for the final time Thursday after being a significant part of this community for 63 years.

The showroom for Alberts Floor and Carpet at 1320 Kingsway Ave., has been a fixture in Medicine Hat since 1955, but it was virtually empty on the last day of business.

Albert Eberhardt launched the business when he was just 21 years old. He was 19 when he arrived here from Germany and was initially employed at another local business. When it could not survive, the owners gave him the company truck, and he established Alberts Floor and Carpet.

Albert and his wife Stefanie went on to raise three daughters in Medicine Hat, two of whom would be significantly involved in the business.

“I would play as a little girl in the store,” said Caroline Eberhardt, who then spent the summer of 1992 helping in the business. “I just never left.”

Her sister Angela began installing tile at the age of 15 while continuing her education.

The two sisters bought the business from their father in 2001, and in 2010 Albert officially retired. Many of the staff have been with them for decades, said Caroline.

“It’s bittersweet to say goodbye but family must come first,” said Caroline.

Albert and Stefanie, now in their 80s, still live locally. Angela and Caroline’s husbands are already retired. All of this factored into the decision to close the business. They want the whole family to spend more time together.

Angela and Caroline looked at selling but those who were interested required the family to continue in the business, and that was not an option they were prepared to entertain.

Working closely in business with family has been rewarding. Caroline says she has forged a close bond with Angela.

“Working with family has been amazing,” said Caroline.

After 63 years Albert is well acquainted with many buildings and homes in the area. It is quite likely he was involved in some way with the older homes, where carpet is now being pulled up to expose old hardwood floors, said Caroline.

Alberts Floor and Carpet has been part of some significant community projects, including the Esplanade, city hall, Canalta Centre, Medicine Hat College, the Cultural Centre and Monsignor McCoy High School, said Caroline.

“We’re extremely proud of our father’s name and how he grew this business to give us the life we were able to enjoy,” said Caroline, expressing appreciation for family values and the long-term relationships built with clients and installers.

“They’re goldies,” she said.

Members of the contracted staff that worked for Alberts are going to continue in their line of work, said Caroline.

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