Gateway Jewellers will be closing its doors early next year

Owners Joan and Brian Kelson have decided to retire citing Warrnambool City Council’s CBD renewal project as the main reason.

The Kelsons said “this will be a very trying time for traders and the city alike, and we’re not prepared to spend the next two years working under the restraints of the construction.”

The council has previously re-assured traders it will minimise disruptions as much as possible when a $15 million revitalisation of Liebig Street and part of Koroit Street begins in February. 

Mr Kelson said their business began 37 years ago in Timor Street “with fairly humble beginnings”.

“Then we went to (shops) in Lava Street, then Koroit Street and then Liebig Street,” he said.

The Kelson’s also spent time at Gateway Plaza, hence the current name.

“We had four stores, two in Warrnambool, one in Geelong and one in Melbourne,” Mr Kelson said.

“Over that period of time we also ran a small buying group where we supplied to stores around Australia.”

Mrs Kelson said over the years they had enjoyed close relationships with their customers, who had become friends. 

“Seventy per cent of people that walk through the door we know by first name,” she said.

Mr Kelson, a former Warrnambool City councillor, said the store closure was premature.

“Joan and I have made the decision we will enter into retirement a little earlier than we had hoped. The timing is right for us,” he said.

Mrs Kelson said they had no major plans for their upcoming free time, but would like to travel. They have seven grandchildren and are looking forward to spending more time with them.

 A closing sale commenced on Tuesday and will continue until all stock is cleared. The Kelsons expect the final trading day will be around the end of January.

The closure comes after another CBD landmark, Leahy’s Home Living, closed after 65 years earlier this month.