Charlotte Varcoe
A POPULAR Penola business is celebrating a milestone this year with Di’s Gifts and Flowers reaching 25 years since first trading.
Since opening its doors in 1996, Penola resident Di Williams has experienced her fair share of difficulties within the retail industry.
Alongside the current challenges faced through the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, Ms William’s popular business also survived the tornado which ripped through the heart of Penola in 2010.
Speaking on her success throughout the years, Ms Williams said she felt she was always destined to own her own business with her favourite toy as a child consisting of a children’s cash register.
“Over the years I think I have enjoyed working with the community and interaction with customers the most,” Ms Williams said.
“I have been very lucky to have dealt with both locals and tourists and experience the joy of people buying and receiving gifts alike.”
Ms Williams said throughout the decades her business continued to grow with the addition of her desired Christmas decorations and sell out workshops.
“I enjoy keeping a wide range of stock and some of my favourites that we have here is the children’s clothes,” she said.
“My favourite thing about this job is that the industry continues to change and we are never stuck with the same stock.”
Despite the ever changing fashion of retail, Ms Williams said she did have timeless items within the shop including photo frames, greeting cards and handbags.
Throughout the years Ms Williams said she had considered re-branding the business yet decided against it in order to maintain its classic appeal.
“Before we expanded the store we would also provide wedding flowers and despite the challenges that alone presented I did enjoy it but I have also enjoyed redesigning the inside of the store and putting supplies out or moving things around,” she said.
“However none of this would have been possible without the endless community support I receive on a daily basis and I really thank the Penola community for that.
“We need to continue to support local businesses and shop as local as we can because these are the businesses that support community events and hire students outside of school.”
Di’s Gifts and Flowers will continue its celebration of reaching the milestone with 25pc off storewide until early September.
