CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- For more than 30 years, a local general-store-type business is closing its doors for good.

George Swingler has owned and operated Rose Hill Market since 1989.

Before that, he spent more than 25 years serving the community in the Albemarle County Sheriff’s Office.

Swingler says he started the market to stay busy after he left law enforcement.

He says the secret to success for his business has been his loyal customers and friends. And he offers a little bit of advice to people thinking of starting a small business of their own.

“It’s a lot of hard work and dedicated time,” said Swingler. “You got to put a lot of time in it to be successful when you’re in this business, just like a second marriage.”

For his next step, Swingler will be focusing on his garden, saying he is going to try and relax while growing tomatoes and squash.

However, he won’t be the only person to miss the market after the doors shut for the final time.

"Well some stores you go in and the owners give you a nasty attitude and all that stuff. They act like they don't want to wait on you. But I come down here, and I don't have that problem," said longtime customer Clarence “Smitty” Smith, Jr.

Saturday will be the final day of business for the Rose Market. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., if anyone would like to pay Swingler a visit.