STOCKING UP: Annette Dunlop was one of the first customers to shop at Orange’s Dan Murphy’s, which opened its doors yesterday. Photo: STEVE GOSCH
YESTERDAY’S rain did little to deter Dan Murphy’s first customers.
When the Central Western Daily dropped by in the afternoon there were shoppers exiting Orange’s latest liquor outlet with trolley loads of alcohol.
But at least one customer was there with an ulterior motive, telling the CWD he was spying on the latest player in the liquor market on behalf of a local winery to see for himself their selection of local wine - which he said was surprisingly good.
Another customer Annette Dunlop said she and her husband had been looking forward to the opening to take advantage of the liquor store’s prices and range.
“I was a bit disappointed it took so long to open,” she said.
“They still supply local people with work even though they are a chain store.”
Store manager Dave Cooke said a steady stream of customers had been coming through the door, with trade picking up at about 11am.
Most were just there to browse but Mr Cooke expects many to buy up big on return visits.
“It’s nice to see people all over the store having a browse,” he said.
Yesterday’s opening may have also put paid to concerns about parking and access at the site with Mr Cooke saying there had been no issues with the liquor store’s location nestled amidst a construction zone.
Mrs Dunlop and other customers the CWD spoke to all agreed.
“We haven’t seen any trucks in the car park and the fence has been put down [along Summer Street] so you can see the store from the street,” Mr Cooke said.
“When people see cars in the car park they say ‘great we’re open’.”
Mr Cooke couldn’t isolate one top seller on the day, saying there had been a great mix of sales across the board.
Staff from other stores were also on hand to support the Orange workers and help customers find what they were looking for.
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