ONE of the nation’s oldest retail outlets will shut its Mount Gambier store doors later this year.
First established in 1853, the franchise has had many twists and turns throughout its 166 year run, with Mount Gambier store manager Joanne Johansen saying the situation was sad for her and her two staff members.
All Dimmeys stores across Australia – with the exception of Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley – will close its doors, with the official date yet to be announced.
The closure of the Mount Gambier store will result in two full time equivalent and one casual staff member being affected of the decision.
Mount Gambier originally opened in 2003 in what is now InterSport before moving to Commercial Street West.
“I have been with the company for 15 years now and have been store manager for 14 years,” Ms Johansen said.
“We found out mid November that we were closing down, but have not been told a final date yet.”
Ms Johansen reminisced on her time with the retail company.
“It has been a fantastic company to work for and I have enjoyed every moment of it,” she said.
“Everyone who has worked here over the years has become a part of our family and the different people that you meet is fantastic.
“There have been women who come in pregnant and then they come in after their child is born and you get to see those kids grow up.”
Since the announcement of the closure, Ms Johansen said employees have received support from the wider community.
“We have had people come in and say how sad they are about the closure,” she said.
“Although it is disappointing, it is what it is.
“Over the time we have had many employees with a lot of them being Year 12 students who are taking a gap year.
“Even if they do not live in Mount Gambier anymore, when they visit the region they do come in and say hello.”
Ms Johansen said the widespread retail shake up was not restricted to Mount Gambier, saying the advent of online stores put pressure on traditional bricks and mortar shopfronts.
“I do not know whether it is because people just do not have the money or whether it is because of online shopping, but it is happening everywhere,” she said.
“I think it just comes down to a different shopping era, we are transitioning into the more online shopping.”
“Everyone is so busy all the time so unless they have a day off they do not get the opportunity to shop like they used to.”
The store is showcasing a 30pc off sale with the final closing date yet to be announced.
“I love working in customer relations and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at Dimmeys,” Ms Johansen said.
