Woodman's Mitre 10 to close in West Mackay

WOODMAN'S Mitre 10 store in West Mackay, which is not part of a string of acquisitions announced by Porters on Friday, will soon close.

Woodman's Mitre 10 in West Mackay will close to customers on May 31. Picture: Luke Mortimer

WOODMAN'S Mitre 10 store in West Mackay, which is not part of a string of acquisitions announced by Porters on Friday, will soon close.

Owner Kerry Woodman confirmed he's offloading Woodman's Mitre 10 stores in Sarina, Marian, Proserpine and Cannonvale, but his Nebo Road store will close to customers on May 31.

It will remain a head office for Mr Woodman's businesses.

Mr Woodman, who urged Mackay and Whitsunday residents to support Porters, said it's been a tough slog for businesses in Mackay over the past few years, particularly for hardware and building supply retailers.

He's put it down to fewer homes being built and a lack of development in the region, among other factors.

Most of Mr Woodman's staff will be retained by Porters, but some jobs will be lost.

Kerry Woodman outside the Woodman's Mitre 10 store in Marian during its 2015 opening. Picture: Tony Martin

Mr Woodman couldn't say exactly how many staff will be out of work, but he said it "won't be a significant number”.

"The businesses we're continuing on with are our Bristol Decorator Centre, Mackay Timber and Truss, Mackay Glass & Aluminium, Woodman's Roofing Centre and Mackay Brick Sales,” Mr Woodman said.

"It's only a partial sale of some of our stores to the Porters organisation. It was an extensive negotiation. It wasn't a simple transaction because it was only part of our business.

"We have acted in the best interests of our staff. They were primary in our consideration. Those in the stores which have been purchased retain their jobs. Some staff (at Nebo Road) will transition to Porters, some will stay with the business.

"We've been in business here since 1939 and our family has a long association with industry. It's heart-wrenching for us to reach this decision.”

Mr Woodman cited confidentiality when asked how much his four Mitre 10 stores would be acquired for.

The long-time business owner said he hopes to build up and invest in other segments of his business, including his role as a distributor for Trailers 2000 and his paver and brick business.

Originally published as Woodman's Mitre 10 to close in West Mackay