'I'll close up shop': 100yo hardware business feels threat

Shoppers rejoice at Bunnings in Lockyer Valley, but businesses warn it could be the death-knell for many local shops

DARK TIMES: Goodwin and Storr Mitre 10 owner John Storr warned the potential arrival of Bunnings to the Lockyer Valely could be the death-knell for his business. Picture: DOMINIC ELSOME

WHILE many shoppers rejoice, a Bunnings Warehouse in the Lockyer Valley could be the death-knell for some local shops, business owners warn.

Last week, the Gatton Star revealed tenders had been requested for a $20m Bunnings Warehouse development at Plainland.

READ MORE: Bunnings refuses to claim $20m Lockyer Valley warehouse

Although Bunnings has remained tight-lipped on its future in the area, the news has sparked fear in local hardware stores.

Laidley's Goodwin and Storr Mitre 10 owner John Storr said it was worrying, and Bunnings was already affecting his business.

"Even at the moment when there's no Bunnings in the area they're still having a detrimental affect on my business," Mr Storr said.

"There's such a big floating population of workers that work outside the area - they're going to Bunnings all the time."

The arrival of the massive chain would be catastrophic, he said.

"We've been in business for over 100 years and I don't know how well I'll do against Bunnings to be honest," he said.

"It's not just prices, it's just the volume of product they have that I can't compete with.

"If they do open up... I'll give it two years to see how it is and if I can't make a living out of it I'm just going to close up the shop."

He claimed the hardware giant "decimated" small businesses, and questioned how it was allowed to expand.

Plainland's Hardware and Rural owner Stephen Rule went further and labelled Bunnings as "predatory".

He also claimed customers wouldn't benefit, saying prices at Bunnings were no cheaper.

John Storr agreed.

And it's not just hardware stores that would feel the pinch, he said.

"It's a lot of businesses - it's tiling shops, it's carpet shops, it's curtain shops," he said.

Reacting to the news, Dion Bradey offered his support to the local shops: "Already got good hardware stores around here. The Coles for Lowood needed more."

Stuart Fraser said: "I would be there every day love bunnings. Plainland is ideal for a bunnings."

Mick Jones said: "Plainland will soon be the new hub of the Lockyer Valley, makes sense to have it there."

Bunnings acting general manager for property Garry James said in responce to the accusations there was room for everyone in the market.

"We compete with a huge range of retailers and believe that there is ample room for a wide variety of operators, speciality providers and online retailers," Mr James said. 

"Bunnings is a strong employer of local residents in the Lockyer Valley, with over 700 team members employed in surrounding stores.

"We are committed to engaging with the communities in which we operate and our team members live, actively contributing to causes and organisations that benefit these communities."

Originally published as 'I'll close up shop': 100yo hardware business feels threat