Sadly, after nearly 40 years of trading, first at Blackburn, then in Forest Hill the Lions Club op shop is to close. Reports in the local paper say they cannot afford the new/higher rent. Many of you will know Mary, the manager there, and I know she will be missed by all.
I drove past yesterday, there were CLOSING DOWN SALE signs in the windows, and a FOR LEASE sign on the front of the shop.. how sad.
8 comments:
I dont get why some of these better type opshops dont own their own place instead or renting especially when in business for such a long time.
Always sad to see them go Lyndel. I know we lost a lot of op shops here in Geelong several years ago. Now we have less op shops and prices seem to have increased s well, perhaps a result of increased shop rents?
It is disgraceful that a charitable organisation has to close shop because the owners of that building (who probably live the high life up in Qld or overseas somewhere) are so greedy they won't keep the rent at a reasonable rate for the good of the community.
So sad. Forest Hill's my local shopping centre when I'm back home and everytime I return something changes! :(
I know they battle high rents in that area, but in my experience that shop was a bit overpriced (probably to try cover rents) - however I think they would have sold a LOT more if they DROP the price. Some of the asking prices were outrageous.
yep I agree with anonymous on that one.. I gave up trying to shop there a few years ago. However, it is always sad to see an Oppy close.
I was going to post on this today so glad I went back to check if anyone else knew... I found out yesterday when I went to the Salvos in Forest Hill and saw the Closing Down signs at the Lions Den. It was closed for the day so couldn't ask at the shop itself but the lady at the Salvos said that the rent had gone up from $22,000/year to $50,000/year (I'm guessing gradually, not in one year, but who knows). Hardly surprising they were not able to stay afloat. Their prices were a bit strange but I loved rummaging through all the stuff, it was a proper op shop in my view (I don't like it when things are too neat and orderly!). I think they are closing in August so will try to make it in there to pay my last respects!
Well,in order to serve community better they should keep the prices at the opportunity level for the customers not at the antique shops prices.
Mary was greedy that's why every thing was seating on the top one another ,one could not even open the drawers they where staffed to the brim.
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