Port Pirie institution Prests closes its door for good after 141 years
IT has survived the Great Depression and been a bastion of Port Pirie high street for more than a century – a family-owned department store that once met your every need. But finally after 141 years, a “perfect storm” will close its doors for good.
IT has been a bastion of the Mid-North high street for more than a century – a family owned department store that once met your every need.
But after trading for the past 141 years, Prests Pty Ltd, in Port Pirie will close its doors for good at the end of the month.
Despite having outlasted two World Wars, the Great Depression and many peak and economic troughs, a perfect storm of factors has led to it ceasing operations.
“It is sad – it is going to be a very emotional day when we close on October 31st,” said mother of three and grandmother, Helen Grace, 57, who has worked at the store for 41 years since leaving high school.
“We would like to think we are an icon up around here. Every second person in Port Pirie either worked here, knows someone who worked here or has shopped at the store.
“We think we have had good quality products and give good quality service. This year has certainly been the toughest in my 41 years.”
Founded in 1877, at its peak, stores were located in Port Pirie, Whyalla, Melrose, Crystal Brook, Port Germein, Quorn and Booleroo Centre as well as at Glenelg. It is Port Pirie’s oldest business.
Its flagship store was once located in a high profile spot along Port Pirie’s main street, selling everything from clothing and manchester to homewares, toys and hardware goods.
The two-storey building was renowned for its massive glass frontage, which a full time “window dresser” was once employed to maintain displays.
Over the years it is estimated more than 1000 people have been employed.
“It was the biggest department store this side of Gepps Cross for years,” said Mrs Grace, who has co-managed the store with mother of three and 60 year-old grandmother Annette McMahon, a 45-year company veteran.
“The amount of people who have stuck their head in the door and said ‘thank you so much for your service’ has been overwhelming.
“I had one lady who came in the other day to buy curtains say to me ‘I have had a personal account here for 79 years, my dear’. She was 93. We gave good old-fashioned service.
“I have delivered bedspreads to older customer’s homes and then put it on their beds. I doubt you will get that in Adelaide these days.”
The business is shutting as its current lease finishes and Adelaide-based owner Knoyle Cross, 90, wants to “retire”.
Having bought the business in 1995, Mr Cross said: “I am sorry it had to close but I am… hopeful I am doing the right thing. Port Pirie people are good people as were the staff I had.”
Neighbouring E Street Clothing, owned by Paula Meyers, 55 and her husband of 33 years Graham, 61, will take most stock and employ both Prests women.
“We did not want to see what they have lost to the town and the region,” said mother-of-two Mrs Meyers.
The local Federal Liberal MP, Rowan Ramsay, said it was sad that a well-known business was shutting.
“It is a sign of the times. It is difficult for some businesses with… fierce competition and online shopping,” he said.
