SACO — A longtime downtown business, Vic’s Appliance Center, is being bought by Agren Appliance, a Maine-based chain.

The change will happen by the end of this month, said owner Don Fleurant. The store, located at 237 Main St., will have the Agren name and join locations in Topsham, South Portland, Norway and Auburn.

“It’s a positive change,” he said. “It’s going to be a dif- ferent name on the sign, but it will be the same people in the store doing the same things.”

Fleurant will still be working at the store, as he has since 1971. His father started the business 52 years ago, and he and his brother Ralph later took over.

His brother decided to retire two years ago, said Fleurent, and to buy him out would have required a 10-year mortgage. Fleurant, who will soon turn 60, said he didn’t want to saddle his wife with the mortgage should something happen to him.

The sale to Agren will ensure longevity for both customers and employees, he said. He added that Agren Appliance is a similarly run family business that offers the same lines Vic’s does plus a few more, which will give customers more options.

In an email, Jason Agren, president of Agren Appliance, reiterated comments made by Fleurant regarding the continuity of high standards of service and quality products. He said customers will continue to see the same “friendly faces” in the store.

“We are extremely pleased to be joining the Saco business community. Our goal is to maintain this as a local business including the employees who live and work here,” said Agren. “As family-owned businesses, both Agren and Vic’s hold many of the same values and a strong commitment to both the community and our customers.”

Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry Executive Director Craig Pendleton said Vic’s Appliance Center was an outstanding locally-owned business and a model everyone should follow when it came to customer service and community involvement.

Vic’s was a longtime chamber member, and the community was lucky to have the store on Saco’s Main Street, Pendleton said.

“For four generations, my family purchased all their appliances from Vic’s and never considered going to a competitor,” he said. “I wish Don and Ralph the very best, and I’d like to send a heartfelt thank you to their staff, who always exceed all expectations.”

Mark Johnston, owner of Vic and Whit’s wine and sandwich shop, located across the street from the appliance store, also described Vic’s as a good member of the business community.

“It’s an institution on Main Street,” said Johnston.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.