A carpet store owner in Wall Township says it's the right time to walk away from the store after losing her husband and business partner to cancer just months ago. 

Linda Ryan says she is closing the store, Mr. Remnant, and is saying goodbye to her loyal customers.

Linda says she has been working at Mr. Remnant since May 3, 1976, which is two days after she and her husband, Kevin, got married.
She says her life changed two years ago when Kevin received a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis. On Oct. 17, Kevin lost his battle and it was then Linda knew it was time to close the store. "We were a good balance, Kevin and I. We came to decisions and plans together. We both compromised. I'm not ready to take on that alone, so it's time," Linda says.

In their 44 years of marriage, Kevin and Linda built a successful shop on 18th Avenue, even while up against the growing competition of corporations and online retail. 

Frank Corbett managed the store with the husband-and-wife duo for the last 18 years.

"It feels like home you are here so long. It's going to be strange getting up and going somewhere else, after a very long time," says Corbett.
Linda says what kept them in business came down to a simple philosophy. "I think there's still a place for a store that offers good service, good value and likes people. We weren't trying to sell something. We were trying to make a friend and a return customer,” she says. 

Linda says their last official day in business will be Feb. 29, but will likely stay open through the middle of March or until the last of their inventory is sold.