Spar Rockhampton to close its doors after several years of trade

A convenience store in South Rockhampton is closing after several years of trade, with the premises listed for sale for $1.6 million. Here’s what we know.

A convenience store in South Rockhampton is closing after several years of trade, with the premises listed for sale for $1.6 million.

A notice attached to the front of the store in early October stated Spar Rockhampton on Fitzroy Street, Allenstown, would cease trade on October 28.

According to the notice, Go Vita would remain open as normal.

“Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause,” the notice read.

“Thank you for your support over the years.”

Spar Rockhampton on Fitzroy Street, Allenstown, is closing on October 28, 2022. Picture: Aden Stokes

Owner of Spar Rockhampton, Ian Kinsey, said the store wasn’t viable.

“We just don’t get enough business to continue on and it is costing me money to keep it open,” Mr Kinsey said.

“The best solution is to close it unfortunately, which is a shame.”

Mr Kinsey said the store had been open for about seven years and that it should have closed a couple of years ago.

Notice outside Spar Rockhampton announcing its closure on October 28, 2022. Picture: Aden Stokes

“There are too many bigger stores and then Aldi came and the shoplifting is just out of control and nothing really happens,” he said.

“I will be making more money by not having it open.

“It’s a shame because there are a number of people that are going to miss it.

“I feel really sorry for some of those beautiful customers.

Spar Rockhampton at 119 Fitzroy Street, Allenstown, has been listed for sale through Mr Real Estate Rockhampton. Picture: Contributed

“We would like to thank them.

“Unfortunately, it’s not viable to keep on employing staff and we have struggled for a fair while.

“It’s very hard in a very crowded market.”

He said the premises was for sale.

Spar Rockhampton has been listed for sale for $1.6 million. Picture: Contributed

The property at 119 Fitzroy Street, Allenstown, was listed for sale for $1.6 million through Mr Real Estate Rockhampton.

Mr Kinsey said Go Vita Rockhampton, a organic health food store located next to Spar, was going well and would continue to operate.

He said depending on the sale of the premise, he may have to look at relocating the store.

“It will be staying open and some staff will be retained,” he said.

Spar Rockhampton has been open for about seven years. Picture: Contributed

Mr Kinsey said he owned a Spar supermarket in Blackall as well as a pharmacy, Ian Kinsey Outback Chemist.

He said would pack up the store in Rockhampton once it had closed and move everything out to Blackall.

“I’ll take the stock to my Spar in Blackall and the shelving will just be put in another shop across the road from the pharmacy,” he said.

“I have a space, it’s being painted at the moment.

“I might do a rural and hardware store.”