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General News

11 July, 2020

Iconic store set to close

Malanda hardware is closing its doors after failing to sell to a new owner.

By Phil Brandel

Iconic store set to close - feature photo

Malanda hardware is closing its doors after failing to sell to a new owner.

Rob Duncombe who is the owner of Malanda hardware said he is sad to be closing the business after 37 years of servicing Malanda and surrounds.

“I turned 77 a fortnight ago and I’ve been trying to sell the business for a few years now and we haven’t even had someone ask what the price is, so we have run out of options.”

Rob said that the last trading day is September 9, everything is for sale and he has heavily discounted stock to get rid of it before closing the doors.

“We bought a small little hardware store in a little shop 37 years ago, and we have grown since then including into the igloo next door and then, later on, we bought Atherton Mitre 10,” he said

“We are now past the point of selling the business because we’ve sold the building and we can’t reverse that decision now.

“It’s been in the hands of real estate agents for years and we have had signage out front and there’s just no interest.”

Rob says one of the reasons that’s people don’t want to get into retail business is due to bricks and mortar stores not being able to compete with the internet.

“It’s a different world in retail and I can’t see it improving. I think retail stores will reduce in size and numbers, if some of the big stores like Myers can’t make it work, then what chance is there for the little guy.”

Even though he is retiring Rob says he will still have plenty to do once the doors close. “I’ve always been very active in the community.  I’m a keen swimmer I swim in a local training squad and I’ve also got my farm with my family.”

 

 

 

 

 

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