Smart Dollar, a popular discount store located at Delacombe Town Centre in Ballarat, has announced its imminent closure, leaving customers and staff disheartened. The store, known for its affordable seasonal merchandise, will cease operations on January 25, 2024, after eight successful years of trading alongside major retailers like Kmart.
The decision to close has sparked significant community backlash, with a petition gathering nearly 1,000 signatures in just three days. Shoppers flocked to the store on Boxing Day, not only to take advantage of the sales but also to express their desire for the store to remain. Pages of signatures reflect the strong support from locals who cherish the unique offerings and customer service at Smart Dollar.
Community Reaction and Future Prospects
Store manager Sharon Sandwith confirmed that the closure is final, attributing the decision to leasing issues rather than poor business performance. “We’ve traded strongly over the past eight years,” she said, emphasizing the challenges faced by small businesses due to rising rents. “There was little room for negotiation on rents,” Sandwith added, highlighting the ongoing difficulties in maintaining affordable retail spaces.
Despite the setbacks, Sandwith plans to present the petition to the store’s owner, who operates from Sydney and is currently overseas. She hopes this will illustrate the community’s support and perhaps inspire a relocation. “It’s pretty sad. It’s going to be really emotional,” she noted, reflecting on the impact the closure will have on her team and loyal customers.
Currently, five employees will face job uncertainty as Smart Dollar prepares to close its doors. Sandwith pointed out that finding a new location with affordable rent is increasingly difficult. Other shopping centers, such as Stockland, have higher overhead costs that make relocation impractical.
Challenges for Small Retailers
The situation for Smart Dollar is not unique; the store is among several that have grappled with rising rents and lease negotiations. Sandwith mentioned that another nearby retailer had already closed due to similar financial pressures. “We offer good, old-fashioned customer service here, which you don’t get in a lot of places anymore,” she said, underscoring the importance of personal connections in retail.
As the community grapples with the impending loss, Sandwith has explored other potential locations, including a former site in Bridge Mall. Concerns about foot traffic in less frequented areas have made this option less appealing. “He tends to prefer shopping centres where there’s strong foot traffic—places people like to go, with plenty of parking and amenities,” she explained.
The management of Delacombe Town Centre has confirmed that a new tenant has already been secured for the Smart Dollar site. While the details remain confidential, this swift transition underscores the competitive nature of retail leasing in the area.
As the closure date approaches, the emotional toll on staff and customers is palpable. “It’s the end, and who knows what happens next? I don’t know, but I am gutted,” Sandwith concluded. The community’s response and the swift action taken by Smart Dollar’s management highlight the significant impact that local businesses have on their neighborhoods.
