First look at new Tool Kit Depot Gympie

A new $3million hardware store designed for tradies and DIY enthusiasts is about to open in Gympie and is the first of its kind in Queensland. Watch the video.

A new Gympie store touted to be a haven for tradies and DIY enthusiasts will be the first of its franchise in Queensland and the east coast of Australia.

Tool Kit Depot is a business under the Bunnings Group and outlets have already opened in South Australia and Western Australia.

What did not fit into Bunnings, has moved to the new store, making it a haven for anyone from carpenters to car enthusiasts.

“It dives a bit more into the specialist stuff,” store manager Braden Bunker said.

The store offers up to 10,000 products across tools, storage, workwear and power, welding and safety equipment as well as a tool repair centre and expert advice.

The new Tool Kit Depot in Gympie will offer a battery bar.

The 1200sq m store is a $3m investment and has created 14 new jobs.

The business has sought for all of its staff to be locally sourced, whether they be cleaners, mechanics or repairmen. Half of the team moved from Bunnings while the remainder are tradesmen.

“I’m pretty passionate about throwing it locally,” assistant store manager Jay Fergusson said.

Mr Bunker said Gympie was a the prime location and “big opportunity” considering the commercial market in tools.

“The closest tool shop is 45 minutes away for a decent tool specialist,” he said.

“We think this will be pretty good for the locals.”

Tool Kit Depot offers everything from power tools to storage at the new store in Gympie.

Before becoming the store manager across the road, Mr Bunker worked as co-ordinator at Bunnings Gympie.

Mr Bunker, a man of the outdoors and a camping enthusiast, has been part of the Bunnings family for the past 11 years.

Tool Kit Depot offers tools and equipment as well as repair services.

Tool Kit Depot area manager Wayne Sheehan, who gave a sneak peek tour of the facilities, has worked everywhere from Alice Springs to Blue Mountains and has been in the industry for 18 years.

Just like Mr Bunker, Mr Sheehan loves the outdoors, four-wheel driving and sports.

Remy Horsfall, Braden Bunker, Jay Fergusson and Wayne Sheehan at the Tool Kit Depot opening in Gympie.

“It’s exciting to be a part of this milestone, opening Tool Kit Depot’s first store on the eastern seaboard, and we look forward to paving the way for more to come,” Mr Bunker said.

“Gympie is a key base for tradespeople who need professional tools and equipment, so it’s great to be able to provide them with the best brands, service and value.”

On Friday the team was at the store making the final touches before the opening.

It is expected to open by Monday, December 12, and will have an official opening later in the week.

It is located at Tenancy 2, Hall Road, Glanmire, opposite Bunnings Gympie.