GREG Parker says life is tough enough for small business operators without being forced to battle competition from new business operators and pay increased waste collection costs.
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Mr Parker’s comments come after Orange City Council unveiled its master plan for the redevelopment of the old Orange base hospital site, which he says will include a competitor to his nearby general store.
“It’s just one of a number of nails that have been hammered into our coffin. We are trying to hang on until we’re debt free, but won’t last competing against a bright new modern shop,” he said.
Mr Parker, who took over the Prince Street General Store in 2008, said his business was already under pressure.
“Unlike other local businesses, we live at the back of the shop, we are part of this community,” he said.
“But we are only just hanging on by the skin of our teeth and have been using our life savings to keep the doors open.”
Mr Parker said the current council allocation of red, yellow and green bins covered both his business and personal needs.
“With the red bin going to a fortnightly service, we will be forced to pay extra to get the service we currently have,” he said.
“We will have no option because of the extra waste due to the shop, but it’s yet another increase in costs for us.”
Mr Parker said a lot of packaging from his shop went into his bins, even though he paid for a private paper and cardboard collection every week.
He said increased waste collection costs may not seem significant until coupled with other factors such as job losses in the community, increased electricity bills, the high cost of food inspectors who routinely visit stores such as his, increases in cigarette prices and a downturn in sales.
Mr Parker wants general stores like his to prosper, however, without Orange residents’ support general stores may be a thing of the past.
“Our value here goes beyond being the cheapest small shop in town,” he said.
“Neighbours come here for help for everything from changing a light bulb to intervening in domestic arguments.”
Mr Parker said the only upside to the redevelopment of the old hospital site was the extra custom that may come from tradespeople working on its construction.
“But once construction is over, the slide will start again,” he said.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au