Buyer sought to keep doors of Cobden newsagency open

Owners Karen and Andrew McConachy put the business on the market 11 months ago.

They plan to close the doors in the coming weeks and the Cobden Business Network is working to ensure someone takes over the reins.

Network spokesman Kelvin White said Cobden residents were concerned about the looming closure.

"The Cobden Business Network is desperate to find a buyer for this vital piece of retail gold," Mr White said.

"No prospecting required, it can be easily found at the front of the Curdie Arcade."

Mr White said the business was well supported by community members.

"It is profitable and it is viable, and it remains the hub of the town with a steady flow of customers intending to enjoy a free read, purchase a 'scratchie', a belated gift or just to hold an animated discussion with proprietors Karen and Andrew McConachy about an important issue of the day," Mr White said.

He said the McConachys, who have had 15 years of early starts at the business, had not yet found a buyer, despite reducing the asking price.

"We don't want to leave Cobden and district without a newsagency - it's been a very difficult decision to make," Mrs McConachy said.

"It's probably about our health as much as anything."

Mr White said while the McConachys had carried the majority of the load for the past few years, the business still had the valuable capacity to employ staff.

"New owners would have good flexibility about how they organised the running of the business," Mr McConachy said.

"We have been able to provide excellent full-time and part-time work for several local people as well as our own boys.

"The opportunity still exists for that to happen."

The newsagency has a loyal clientele, with customers from Port Campbell, Simpson and Timboon regularly travelling to Cobden to shop at the newsagency.

The business is being sold through Ray White in Camperdown.

"There are no limitations here as no matter what your demographic there is an opportunity for all, this business is ready for you to take the reins without any fuss and has plenty of scope to grow what is an already established enterprise," the business listing states.

"Offering a generous retail floor space with a modern fit-out, including the most up-to-date Tattersalls shop fit-out and newsagency point-of-sale system, plus low rent (approximately $21,500 per annum) that doesn't eat into your margins."

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