FIRST DRINKS: Dan Murphy’s area manager Sharndra Neville puts the last touches to the wine display ahead of today’s opening. Photo: STEVE GOSCH
DAN Murphy’s will throw open its doors to customers at 9am today for the first time in Orange.
When the Central Western Daily was invited on-site for a last minute look yesterday, vehicles were still accessing the construction area via the Summer Street entrance and car park, which is expected to be abuzz with customers today.
But PrimeSpace Property chief executive officer Anthony McDonald said safety at the site was not an issue and construction work would be separated from the areas that were accessed by shoppers.
“Fences [fronting Summer Street] will be gone and the car park will be cordoned off,” he said.
Customers will share the 70-space car park with Dan Murphy’s staff.
Store manager Dave Cooke said extra staff from the Bathurst store would be on hand to help out on the first day.
“There will also be plenty of new staff,” he said.
“We expect a steady day of customers. Once word of mouth gets around for the grand opening we’re hoping for a big turnout.”
Mr Cooke expects about 1500 people through the door for the grand opening on March 9, but says it is hard to gauge how many customers will turn up today.
“I’d like to see a few hundred people if not more,” he said.
“We’re all excited. All the staff have worked really hard over the last couple of weeks to go from an empty shop to what we’ve got now.”
The store plans to host wine tastings on a weekly basis and will invite suppliers in for special tastings during the grand opening.
Mr Cooke said the local wine section would expand in line with customer demand.
clare.colley@fairfaxmedia.com.au