Warrnambool’s business landscape continues to change with new shops opening and other long-running stores moving premises.
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Beacon Lighting opened its doors at the Homemaker Centre last weekend. Manager Mel Jackson said feedback had been positive and they were looking forward to the store’s grand opening on Saturday from 10am to 1pm.
“People are loving it and saying it’s about time it’s arrived," Ms Jackson said. “They’re loving the variety.”
She said customers who previously travelled to Ballarat and Geelong, or shopped online, could now visit the Warrnambool store which employs seven people.
Beacon provides a large selection of interior and exterior lighting, fans, outdoor heating and smart lighting which can be operated remotely or using Google Home and Amazon Alexa technology. The store’s grand opening includes promotions, discounts, a free sausage sizzle and face painting for children.
Meanwhile, Specsavers Warrnambool is moving into the mid-block of Liebig Street, into the former Rockmans store. Optometrist/ director Mel Patel said he was looking forward to operating from the “new and improved” shop which opens on Thursday.
He said the 10-year-old business was growing and provided 180 eye tests per week. Mr Patel said the move would allow the business to expand their services and he would be hiring more staff. “Everyone thinks it’s doom and gloom but businesses are growing and people are busy. There’s an exciting vibe in the city,” Mr Patel said.
Lucas Brothers Butchers is another long-term Liebig Street business on the move. It will open the doors of its new-look store in Banyan Street, on the former Classic Dry Cleaners site, on Monday.
Japanese restaurant Ichiban Izakaya opened on August 6 and the new Sheridan outlet, in Liebig Street, is also due to open in the coming weeks. Off the Pallet in Koroit Street will officially close on August 25, after announcing in July it would continue to trade in the city. Manager Amanda Ligthart thanked customers and surrounding businesses for their support and encouraged anyone with gift vouchers or store credits to use them in-store before August 25. She said they would also be accepted at the Ballarat or Bendigo stores upon its closure.
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