End of an era as local icon closes its doors for last time

After 14 years of catering to an alternative crowd with music, comics and collectables, this underground marketplace is shutting up shop.

Closing down generic image

A CENTREPIECE of alternative culture in Nambour for the past 14 years will close its doors for the final time this month.

The Time Machine is no stranger to the idea of closure and comes with a history that has stood the test of the town's tumultuous times.

Current owners Barton Worthington and Daniel Stuth purchased the treasure-trove of pop culture in 2012 with their close friend Benjamin Paskins, who tragically died in 2016.

Since Benjamin's death, the duo has fought to keep the store alive, but an announcement on Facebook yesterday marked the beginning of the end - although there may still be one last ditch effort to save it.

"We are sad to announce The Time Machine will be closing at the end of 2018," the post read.

"This is a really hard thing for us to do and we're devastated to see the shop go like this but the business and stock is still available for sale if anyone feels like saving it.

"It's a very good price - see our gumtree ad.

"We would like to thank everyone for their support over the past seven years, it has been an incredible experience and one that we hope you have enjoyed being a part of."

The Time Machine owners in Nambour Barton Worthington and Daniel Stuth need some help.

The owners are asking $25,000 for the business, which includes more than $100,000 of collectable retail stock.

There is also an option to solely purchase all stock and fittings for $20,000, without a lease and shopfront.

Talking to the Daily earlier this year, Barton and Daniel said they had struggled to cope with the devastating loss of their friend and business partner alongside the struggles of owning a business in Nambour.

"It was really hard for us for to do anything like this," Daniel said.

"Basically, we have been struggling for a while, the costs are going up and Nambour is changing - a lot of people that live here would understand the struggle.

"We love Nambour but we are struggling here."

The trio purchased the store from its founder Shane Sullivan who died after a battle with cancer in April 2012.

A hub of comics, records, memorabilia and collectables, The Time Machine recently opened up a vintage store and gig venue in the basement, known to locals as Spin Dog.

The Currie St store had operated as an underground marketplace for people with varying passions and had solidly cemented itself on the footpaths of Nambour.

The owners plan to announce a closing down sale in the next few days as a lead-up to Christmas. They said it was an opportunity to "grab some unique bargains for your loved ones and to say goodbye".

If you see yourself as the next owner of The Time Machine, visit https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/nambour/business-for-sale/for-sale-records-comics-collectables-store-quick-sale-/1196135388 for more.