Trade businesses in Junee are leaving retail in the lurch when it comes to growth in the small town.
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The retail side of town has been at a standstill with some stores closing and other opening in their place but there is an increase in the number of trades starting up in the town.
PRDNationwide Junee owner Rob Barrett said there was a number of new trade businesses making a mark on the town.
“There are a number of young people opening businesses in trades in the area and doing really well,” he said.
However, the retail side of town has seen a steady decline.
“Between people living in Junee and working in Wagga and people having a day out in Wagga, the retail side has struggled,” Mr Barrett said.
This decline in retail stores isn’t unique to Junee with many vacant shops along Wagga’s main street.
“It is the changing face of retail,” Mr Barrett said.
Currently most day-to-day products are available in town but bigger ticket items like furniture, flooring and manchester need to be purchased in Wagga.
“The shops that are here do it well, I hope locals continue to support them,” Mr Barrett said.
Junee Business and Trades Association president Tony Butt said business wise, not much has changed in Junee recently. After running his own business for 24 years, T-Line Steel Fabrication, Mr Butt believes the town is great for small business owners.
“The council is good with development applications and it’s good they are away from being amalgamated,” he said.
Mr Butt believes to low cost of rent in Junee could open the town up to innovative businesses like an online store office.
“You don’t have to spend a lot of money (to set up a business in Junee),” he said.
“There are not a lot of restrictions in Junee, you could set up an online business here.”
For more information on the Junee Business and Trades Association go to the Junee Shire Council website.