Avoca IGA owners sell up shop after 20 years of business

It will be the end of an era at the Avoca IGA when its owners of the past two decades shut up shop and hand over the keys.

(From left) owners Clinton Church, Kath Church and Phil Hodge.

After two decades of servicing their local community the owners of the Avoca IGA have sold.

Clinton Church, Kath Church and Phil Hodge made the decision to move on this year, with the new owners to take over the business on December 14, 2022.

“We’ve been in the industry for a long time and it was just time for us to get out and do something else,” Mr Church said.

With no big plans for their future, the group said their first plans after handing over the reins would be a well earned holiday.

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A family business from day one, Mrs Church – who is a sister to Mr Hodge – said the staff had become family.

“All of our kids have worked in the shop; they grew up in the shop,” she said.

There have been plenty of highs and lows across their time running the store, but Mr Hodge said some moments could surprise you.

(From left) owners Clinton Church, Kath Church and Phil Hodge.

“Covid has been positive for us, especially with the support of the shopping local campaigns,” he said.

The shop also expanded over eight years to triple the size of its original space, and Mr Hodge said this brought its own set of challenges.

“That was a high and a low, it was always a struggle” he said.

The three owners agreed the loyalty of the customers and the local community had been a personal highlight.

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“We’ve had long term customers who have supported us through thick and thin,” Mr Church said.

“We just can’t thank them enough.”

With the existing staff retained in the sale, floor worker Hannah Woodfield said it was “bittersweet”.

“I nearly cried when I was told, they are some of the best bosses I have ever had,” she said.

The new owners have made the move from NSW to take over the store as a family business.

Originally published as Avoca IGA owners sell up shop after 20 years of business