HARVEY Norman will operate again in Mount Isa shortly despite losing millions of dollars in stock in a fire, but the company was finalising an agreement for a short-term location in the central business district.
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However, there were whitegoods and televisions kept in storage at the company’s warehouse in Duchess Road.
This is likely to be a second short-term location where bedding and furniture can be sold.
Franchisee of computers and communications, Brad Sheppard, said; “this town has been fantastic to Harvey Norman.
“There’s no way we would ever dream of leaving this town.”
Locals noticed that lights had been turned on in the former Crazy Clark’s building on Wednesday night, suggesting this building was the short term location for Harvey Norman.
But Mr Sheppard said; I am officially unable to confirm that.”
Mr Sheppard and the other franchisee, Brian Bower, were impressed with the community support following the building fire in Miles Street in the early morning of last Friday.
None of the items caught in the fire would be sold by Harvey Norman, meaning new stock had to be brought in from Sydney. Benches, shelves and cash registers also needed to be replaced.
“It was devastating for myself and for Brian, and devastating for staff and our company as well. We’re a tight knit company,” Mr Sheppard said.
“I had 100 calls around the country, internally.”
They also had offers of support from Mount Isa MP Rob Katter and mayor Joyce McCulloch.
Locals also offered food and drink for staff sorting through stock in their Duchess Road warehouse, and to help find a new location to be based from.
“And I’ve had lots of calls inviting me out to have drink, so I’m not home feeling sad,” Mr Sheppard said.
“It’s very, very nice to have such a good impact on our local community. For me, I’m a city boy from Melbourne and I have never experienced anything quite like it.”