Cloncurry residents will soon be able to buy necessary items like a fridge or washing machine locally, when Western Appliances opens next week.
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After being without an appliance store for two years, local businesswoman and councillor Janessa Bidgood is filling a hole in the market by opening an appliance store in Cloncurry.
Ms Bidgood bought the premises of the former appliance store and plans to move both her businesses, Outback Auctions and Real Estate and Western Appliances, into the building.
"There has been a real need in Cloncurry and we see it frequently through real estate when we need to purchase appliances for rental properties on behalf of our landlords. So to make it a smoother process for them and us it would be better if that service was in Cloncurry.
"Since we made the announcement, we have been flooded by requests for items and support for the business venture."
Ms Bidgood said the first order of appliances had arrived on Wednesday (December 9) and was expecting to open next week.
"The shop has been painted, this weekend we are moving into the shop, putting up signage and I expect to be open on Monday (December 14)," she said.
"We will be starting off small, considering we are coming to the end of the year with Christmas and we are still getting established. We certainly have big intentions next year of maximising our stockholdings and basically listening to what the community want.
"We need to be as competitive in our pricing as possible and make sure we use our buying power more so then just being a local business; so locals aren't paying more to shop in Cloncurry."
Ms Bidgood said she had been working on this idea for a few months.
"Every time I would drive to Mount Isa to pick up another appliance for a rental property, I would say this is something Cloncurry needed," she said.
"I think any business opening in Cloncurry is a good thing for Cloncurry's future and retail in Cloncurry seems to be getting a revitalisation at the moment with new shops and cafes opening, so we thought we would jump on board at the same time.
"I think combining it with the real estate gives it a little bit less pressure as it's not a stand alone business."
Ms Bidgood said if there were any products or styles that locals wished to see in store, to stop into the shop next week and have a chat.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
