BVO is gonna go.

After decades of deals, owners David and Jan Tatelbaum on Monday announced their retirements from Big Value Outlet and its subsequent closing some time this summer. 

“This was a difficult decision for us because Big Value has been part of the community,” David Tatelbaum said. “But the time has come — all good things must come to an end.”

He added the shop will officially close its doors for the last time “once everything in the store is sold,” something he anticipates happening in four to six weeks.

“So this is your last chance to shop Big Value,” he said.

The store first opened in 1965 by his father Matthew as one of many Mars Bargainland locations. Upon its closure in 1990, David took over the space and opened Big Value, which offered a variety of goods including nursing scrubs, furniture, vacuum cleaners, bird seed, and barbecue sauce.

“It’s a unique blend, there’s no doubt about it,” he said. “We really wanted to become a destination store for things you just can’t find elsewhere.”

Longtime shopper Suzie Cabral said she was saddened to hear about the closure.

“It’s where we find our little odds and ends,” she said. “Where else can you go find those little papers to roll coins?”

Fellow shopper Connie Machado echoed those sentiments.

“I like to be here,” she said. “A lot of stuff is cheap.”

It’s that mix of items David attributed to the store’s success.

“Battling the gorillas of giant retail, you have to carve a niche and make it worth the trip,” he said. “Otherwise, you’ll get eaten up.”

The Tatelbaum family also owned the surrounding plaza beginning in the 1980s, but sold it to a Shrewsbury-based commercial real estate developer in 2020. Who will take over the Big Value spot is currently unknown, but  David said the new landlord is actively seeking a new tenant.

As for the 25 employees currently working at Big Value, David said some of the longtime workers are also planning for retirement and that he would help in any way he can to make sure the younger staff members can find jobs elsewhere. 

“We’re a family,” he said. “I have a great affinity for all [my employees] and want to make sure they’re helped out.”

While the Tatelbaums may be retiring from the business, that doesn’t mean they still won’t be active.

David, who currently chairs the Dartmouth Select Board, said he will continue to serve the town and spend more time doing nonprofit work with GiftsToGive and YMCA Southcoast.

“I just want to try to make the world a better place and help people out,” he said.

He and Jan also look forward to spending some more time with their six grandchildren.

“My wife said to me the other day that there hasn't been a Christmas season in 50 years where we haven’t been working,” David said. “We’ve got a lot of things we want to do and will do.”

As the store nears its closing, David thanked all those who helped make his business a landmark in Bliss Corner.

“We love our customers and employees, many of whom are like family,” he said. “We are going to miss seeing all of you every day.”