Officeworks Taree store stays shut months after floods as locals fear it could may never reopen

Months after it was battered by the Mid-North Coast floods, a busy Officeworks store remains firmly shut and the chain can’t provide a date when it will reopen, stoking local fears it may be gone for good.

Officeworks. Generic. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Officeworks have moved to reassure the Mid-North Coast community that it is working on reopening its flood-damaged Taree store with rumours swirling that it might be closed for good.

The busy Taree store has been shut since the floods in May and this has been a continuing source of frustration for locals who rely on the huge discount supplier for their work needs with the nearest functioning Officeworks in Port Macquarie an hour’s drive away.

There are claims, citing inside sources, that the store’s future is in doubt with staff worried for their jobs and banned from talking about the matter on social media.

An Officeworks spokeswoman apologised for the uncertainty but said things were happening behind the scenes.

“We’re so grateful to be a part of the local Taree community and appreciate the support and patience from our customers during this time,” an Officeworks spokeswoman said.

Officeworks say they are committed to their staff and customers and will provide updates on the store’s future when they become available.

“Unfortunately, the damage sustained at the Officeworks Taree store during the recent floods is greater than originally anticipated.

“The safety of our customers and team remains our priority and we look forward to sharing further updates when they are available.”

“We will provide a formal update to both our team and the community as soon as we are able to.”

The spokeswoman was also asked if staff were forbidden to discuss the store’s future on social media.

“We can also confirm that Officeworks has a Social Media Policy in place for all team members, including those in stores, our support offices and distribution centres,” the spokeswoman said.

“This policy ensures that online activity reflects our values and supports a respectful, inclusive environment, in line with our Code of Conduct.”

Taree local Sue Benell said the store was vital to her livelihood.

“As a small-business owner, I rely on the Taree store for all of my printing needs,” she said.

“It’s always busy in there. If it closes then we have to outsource our printing and many locals will be unemployed.

Taree was hammered by the floods in May of this year. Picture: Supplied.

“Taree needs to keep businesses. There is more than enough unemployment and we lose a lot of businesses to Port Macquarie or Forster.”

Ms Benell has even suggested those who share her concerns ring the chain’s head office to beg for the Taree store reopen.

It is understood that casuals employed in the Taree Officeworks have been offered shifts not just at the Port Macquarie store but also other businesses also owned by the giant Wesfarmers conglomerate, such as Bunnings.

Taree residents have posted online the vague responses they have received from Officeworks after asking when the Taree store would reopen.

“We are currently working on reopening Taree Officeworks, unfortunately, we do not have an exact date for this at this stage,” one reply said.

“Apologies for the inconvenience.”

A follow-up query was met with this response: “At this stage we are trying our best to get everything back up and running to hopefully reopen the store sometime soon however do have a date confirmed yet.”

The Officeworks spokeswoman said Taree community could still get Officeworks products home delivered by visiting the website or click and collect from the Port Macquarie store.

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Originally published as Officeworks Taree store stays shut months after floods as locals fear it could may never reopen