I am sure I am right in saying that the town is in shock at the sudden closure of our local Byron Bay Mitre 10.
Unfortunately, this is yet another example of the changing face of Byron Bay, when arguably one of the most consumer-friendly, popular and successful businesses in Byron Bay is closing. Certainly, a better outcome would have been for Mitre 10 to remain open and for staff to be able to retain employment within the town, during this current economic downturn.
Byron Bay Mitre 10 epitomised everything you could surely wish for in a small country town, already beset by the extraordinary pressures of extreme staff shortfalls, rising costs, holiday-rental-induced housing shortages and rapidly rising inflation. What an unfortunate time to see the closure of this brilliant, small local business.
The management and staff in Byron Mitre 10 were outstanding: the late John Cavanagh and his wife Jeanette, James, Lisa, Lexie, Kim, Melissa, Dave, Tim, Richard, Paul, Kevin, Luca and I know there are many others, whom I’m afraid I don’t remember. Every one of them was always friendly, helpful, knowledgeable. They really were a superb group of people, a credit to John and James who obviously had the business acumen, wisdom and skill to assemble all of those talented people under one roof, totally for benefit of the people of Byron.
The loss of our local hardware store is the end of an era, which hopefully has not gone forever from Byron Bay. It was always a great pleasure to walk into the shop, even at closing time, to be greeted by a smile on every occasion.
Byron Bay and the district won’t be the same without our local Mitre 10. It was an outstanding business. One that all others could well model themselves upon. Hopefully we shall see those friendly faces around town and we wish them all the very best for the future. This is a sad loss for the community, unwitting victims of the corporate bottom line.
From two of your many happy and rewarded customers,
Christopher & Margot Wright, Byron Bay
A grateful bunch of Mitre 10 supporters are planning to have a few beers with James, Lisa and their wonderful staff to thank them for 21 years of supplying nuts and bolts and outstanding service to the people and district of Byron Bay.
Where: In the old Mitre 10 store on Friday 31 March at 5pm. Bring something to eat, drink and share.
Please RSVP by text to Chris Wright 0427 758 515.
