~by Taylor Teays for The Scranton Journal
After 32 years in the business, John Bossard will be retiring at the end of the month, seeing his long time Jefferson business close.
Bossard started out as a Sears catalog store. When the catalog stores were closed, John’s Appliance & TV was born. The business, located on the square in Jefferson (116 N Wilson Ave), will officially close on April 30.
Over the years, Bossard has seen many changes in the appliance industry, the most notable change being technology.
“The washers have all become larger, more efficient. Refrigerators have become more efficient. And of course, everything’s become more expensive,” commented Bossard. “Years ago, people valued quality, and today, people don’t value that as much, they look more at price.”
When asked what some career highlights were, Bossard’s answer was simple: the people.
“I’ve developed such relationships with people over the years, and I just appreciate what I’ve done, and I appreciate their business. It’s the little old ladies, you know, I’ve had them make me pot holders, or give me some cookies they made. You remember stuff like that.”
Retirement will bring the chance to catch up on “all the things I haven’t done at home,” as well as taking care of his wife Karen’s health and his own. Bossard plans to do some traveling, something he and his wife are no strangers to.
“We’ve been to all 50 states, and we’ve been to Europe three times,” stated Bossard, adding that Colorado and Utah were his favorite states to visit, saying “Colorado’s the mountains, Utah is all the pretty colors.”
With Bossard’s retirement will come the closing of the appliance store, something that will be hard for many to see.
“For the older generation, they don’t like to drive out of town, they don’t like to go to the big box stores. They come in here, they feel comfortable,” explained Bossard.
His last day will be April 30. “It’ll be different. I’ve worked all my life, and I’m 84,” concluded Bossard.
