THE Nelson Bay community have lost another small business, this time it is the IGA at the Austral Street Shopping Village closing its doors for the very last time.

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They are using the publicity surrounding their closure to share a very important message.

There have been rumours afloat that the remaining stores within the village are not longer trading, but this could not be further from the truth.

Store manager of the now closed Nelson Bay IGA, Michelle Dand, told News Of The Area, “There are some wonderful businesses still here, run by locals just like you and I, and we’d love everyone to still remember to come and support them.”

“Small businesses rely on the support of community, so don’t forget these great businesses are still here.”

The Austral Street Shopping Village still has the Seabreeze Bakery, Real Estate Friend. Hairdresser and Sri Malaysia Restaurant.

“You can’t beat the small shopping centre service, it was our service that set us apart from the big chains,” Michelle said. “For many of our regulars, that was the biggest reason why they kept coming back.”

“That familiarity with the staff meant that when they came in to do their grocery shopping, it wasn’t as much of a chore because they were dealing with friends, and this added a personal touch which many really people appreciated.”

Neighbouring businesses at the Austral Street Shopping Village are disappointed to see the much loved IGA store leave, but hope that locals and regulars still continue to give them their support.

Jade Ong, owner of Sri Malaysian Restaurant, told News of the Area, “The sign out the front isn’t lit up at night, but don’t forget we’re definitely still here!”

“We’re not going anywhere, and we’d love to see all our regulars and lots of new faces in to visit us.”

Rochelle from the Seabreeze Bakery told News of the Area, “We hope our regulars still drop in, not only for our service, but our high quality products.”

Jacquie, the Shopping Village’s resident hairdresser, told News of the Area, “Small businesses rely on community support, and we hope to see all our regular clients still following our business, and making appointments as usual.”

With the closure, Michelle Dand herself has not only had to say goodbye to her regular customers, but to the Nelson Bay area as well for her working day.

She will now be working at Lovey’s IGA at Hawks Nest.

“If anyone is in the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest area, please come in and say hello,” Michelle told News Of The Area.

“It would be great to see some familiar faces now and then, so don’t be a stranger.”

By Rachael VAUGHAN