Grocery store staff at Nelson Bay IGA have said farewell to customers on the eve of its closure.
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In recent days shoppers have flocked to the store for some last minute bargains and to say goodbye with hugs and kisses.
By Friday the shelves had run bare.
“We’ve been very lucky to have some loyal customers over the years,” store manager Michelle Dand said.
“It’s a shame we can’t keep going and I think a lot of people are at a loss too because they don’t necessarily want to shop at the chains.”
While the Examiner understands the lease was soon to expire Ms Dand declined to comment further on the circumstances behind the closure. It is not known if there was discussion about an extension to the lease.
“We’re all very sad it’s closing,” she said.
“I started 10 years ago. Aside from the junior staff, a lot of us have been here for eight, nine, even 10 years. Fortunately the staff are coping fine.”
The doors will close permanently on Saturday. Since the staff of 18 was notified last year Ms Dand said seven had already moved on.
“The majority of the staff have another job to go to,” Ms Dand said.
“There’s only two who have not found another job just yet.”