Mitchelton liquor shop to close as new Dan Murphy‘s chain opens

A North Brisbane local liquor shop will close its doors after more than a decade as Dan Murphy’s opens down the road.

Local businesses are closing as liquor retailer Dan Murphy’s opens down the road. Picutre: Supplied

Mitchelton’s leaf lined Blackwood Street is home to many small businesses, including two specialty and independently owned liquor stores.

One of which, Liquor Stax, will be closing its doors on March 1, just days after liquor retailing magnet Dan Murphy’s opens nearby.

In a post shared on social media by a local, customers expressed their shock over the closure.

Some commented that the small business couldn’t keep up with the “big dogs” moving in down the road. Others expressed their gratitude for the years of service and convenience.

“I wish they had of stayed to see what would happen,” one user said.

“I would much rather stop in at Blackwood than go to the bigdog. Thanks so much for all the laughs and friendly service over the years.”

“Oh that’s sad,” said another user.

Others offered alternatives on how locals could still support small businesses.

Closing down sign outside of Liquor Stax, Mitchelton. Picture: Sarah Keszler

The new Dan Murphy’s will accompany the historic Brookside Hotel which has been under redevelopment since applications were first submitted in 2020.

“We are excited to announce that Dan Murphy’s will officially open its doors on February 24, 2023,” a work update posted by Brookside Shopping Centre earlier this month read.

“The Brook Hotel and Tavern will follow in the coming months”.

The new Dan Murphy’s Liquor Store will front Osborne Road next to Kedron Brook.

While local stores such as Liquor Stax are closing their doors, only a few doors up The Woods bottle shop, an artisan beers and wines retailer, is using the opportunity to showcase their difference and highlight the uniqueness small businesses have to offer.

Dan Murphy’s Brookside outlet. Picture: Your Neighbourhood

Owner Steven Powell said they wanted to continue to support the “smaller players in this massive industry”.

“And we have done so when we opened The Woods bottle shop.”

Offering up hand-picked selections of craft beer, wine and spirits, Mr Powell said they were popular within the community.

“We are continuously thanked for offering a true point of difference through new emerging styles and producers and reacquainting people with long lost favourites,” Mr Powell said.

“We serve a pretty large catchment of surrounding suburbs, so I guess the need for something different is the same for many out this way.”

An image showing the site of the Brook Hotel and Dan Murphy’s outlet. Picture: Your Neighbourhood

Opening its doors during the lockdown, the business garnered a loyal following of locals, but Mr Powell understood it would be hard to compete with large retailers.

“We aren’t what everyone wants. We get that,” Mr Powell said.

“A new option in the area will service those that are locked into their brand, their favourite.

“On one side of the coin is the big-box retail offer. On the other side of that coin, the much smaller side, is the independent.

“We too work hard to deliver on an offer that is diverse and relevant,” Mr Powell said.

“We, as consumers, nurture that which we wish to maintain and prosper.”