Family owned Loganholme Mitre 10 to shut doors after 37 years of business

A local family is devastated to announce the closure of their Logan hardware store after 37 years, saying they couldn’t survive when a Bunnings was opened directly across from them.

A local family is devastated to announce the closure of their Logan hardware store, saying they couldn’t survive when a Bunnings was opened directly across from them.

Loganholme Mitre 10 has been serving its loyal customers since 1984.

Born and bred Logan man Ian Gill has owned it since 1998.

“After 37 years of business it’s devastating to announce we’ll be closing in about eight weeks’ time,” Mr Gill said.

Mitre 10 Loganholme. Photo: Richard Walker

“We’ve tried everything to sell this past month but no one wants to buy a hardware store with a Bunnings in its carpark.”

In March 2017, when it was revealed Bunnings would be opening at the Hyperdome Home Centre later that year, Mr Gill predicted it would be the death of many small businesses.

He said the Home Centre, owned by Queensland Investment Corporation, should support and protect longstanding tenants and small family owned businesses.

“The Queensland Government obviously doesn’t support small businesses,” Mr Gill said.

“We’ve done our best but we’re exhausted and have had enough.”

Mr Gill said in the past decade, 10 other small hardware stores had shut down within a 10km radius.

Owner of Mitre 10 Loganholme, Ian Gill. Photo: Richard Walker

“It’s just so sad there’s no protection available for small businesses,” he said.

“It’s the small businesses that are paying the higher tax rate to the government.

“Closing will be a very sad day. I’m going to miss it so much after 37 years.”

Mr Gill said he would never forget his time as a small-business owner in Logan.

“For me it’s about the friendships you make with your customers,” he said.

“We have locals who have been coming here for years who rely on us and support us.”

Once Loganholme Mitre 10 officially closes in two months’ time, Mr Gill and his wife plan to retire.

“We’re hoping to do some travelling around Australia,” he said.

“Will depend on Covid-19 of course.”