Off the Pallet, a kitchenware store in Koroit Street, was due to close on July 29 but will continue to trade after management heard of customers’ disappointment that the store would no longer be there. 

National retail manager Michelle Kinden said she was pleased the company would continue to have a store in the city. 

“We’re delighted,” Ms Kinden said. “We don’t want to be closing stores. We want to be opening them and maintaining them and sustaining them.

“Having that relationship with the local folk of Warrnambool, it’s great news for us and it gives us the opportunity to continue to build a rapport with the customers, repeat customers and visitors who do come into town.

“There’s always new customers walking in too which is wonderful and we want them to be coming back.

“There’s been a number of contributing factors, our end of lease closing down sale and based on the attention it’s generated it’s definitely been very positive.

“The announcement of our departure had been well received. It’s worked in our favour.”

She said management would continue to monitor the store’s performance and viability. 

Store manager Amanda Ligthart said it was a great outcome for Warrnambool and it was another reason for shoppers to continue to visit the CBD.

The store’s stock had been been heavily discounted in readiness to close its doors but now pallets of kitchen items are being delivered and new signage is on its way. 

The family-run business has stores in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

Mrs Ligthart encouraged shoppers to continue to support the CBD as the $15 million renewal works took shape and beyond.

The move follows the arrival of Bonds and Early Settler in the city last month, with a Sheridan outlet store, Japanese restaurant Ichiban Izakayato and Beacon Lighting set to open by the end of August.