Orana announces closure of long-standing Port Augusta pet store

A much-loved pet store and disability employment provider has announced it’s closing up shop after more than 40 years in business following the loss of a council contract.

A popular pet store shopfront and disability employment provider has announced the closure of its second business in two months following a lost council contract.

Orana Australia Ltd recently announced the closure of their Port Augusta shopfront, Orana Pets and Accessories, to the community.

A statement released by Orana outlined some of the reasons for the closure of the business, which has operated for more than 40 years.

“Our pet shop, like many other small businesses, has struggled with rising costs that are now unsustainable,” the statement read.

“With the current economic climate and the aftermath of Covid, restoring Orana’s pet shop in Port Augusta as a viable service has become difficult.

The pet store has started advertising their wares at reduced prices online in the lead up to the store's closure. Picture: Facebook

“The staff and employees have worked tirelessly over recent times to secure the longevity of the service, which has been supported by the wider Port Augusta community.”

The announcement follows the closure of Orana Lotto and Newsagency, another Orana Port Augusta store.

Orana previous held a $100,000 per year contract with the Port Augusta Council cleaning toilet blocks in the town and airport, which was not renewed going forward into 2023.

Following the announced closure of the newsagency back in February, a spokesman for Orana said the closure was a commercial decision.

“The last few years retail trade has suffered but we will still continue to have a footprint in Port Augusta,” they said.

Orana Pets & Accessories will close its doors Friday, March 31. Picture: Facebook

“Of course losing a contract of that size will have an impact.”

The Port Augusta community were vocal about the store’s cessation following the announcement last week.

“This is where councils are getting it wrong, that contract should have stayed local, bloody disgrace and I'm sad for Orana,” said Debbie Noble on Facebook.

Fellow resident Bill Cole blamed the lack of foot traffic along Commercial Road, where the store is located.

“Rents need to come down to attract new businesses, and the overall experience of walking down on that street needs to be safer and more pleasant,” he said on Facebook.

Orana Pets and Accessories will close its doors Friday March 31.

Orana and the Port Augusta City Council were contacted for comment.