Bakery ceases second site

AFTER eighteen months in operation, Emma’s Bakery’s Golden Point store will not be re-opening for 2025.

Owner, Emma Conroy, cited a number of factors, particularly stress, in making the decision just prior to the holidays.

“2024 was just so extremely hard,” she said.

“We had the two break-ins at Sturt Street and the ongoing price rises with all products. It just continues to become more difficult making any sort of profit.

“It’s to downsize because I’m juggling being a full-time mum with a 13-year-old and 10-year-old, and having a bit of life instead of full-time work which becomes a toll on me and my family.

“It took a long time to come to this decision, but we got there. I’ve said to my partner before, I feel like I’m going to get to 40 and have a heart attack.”

Ms Conroy said she’s been grateful to see such support from the community after announcing the closure last week.

“It’s been almost overwhelming especially from other local businesses, and our customers have been like, we’ll just have to go over to Sturt Street now,” she said.

“I was quite anxious about going public but it’s just so nice to see the support and love.”

The Golden Point store, at 509 Main Road, was the second Emma’s Bakery location to open following the establishment of the business’ first shopfront, at 1769 Sturt St, Alfredton, in 2021.

Based opposite Sovereign Hill, Ms Conroy said a more elderly clientele was what separated the store from its Alfredton sibling.

No staff have been impacted from the second shop’s ceasing.

“All the staff worked at both stores, just to move them around a bit and make sure everyone had their turn at each place,” Ms Conroy said.

“[The close] came at the right time because we have a few girls going off to uni so we haven’t had to let any staff members go from this which has made the decision easier.”

Ms Conroy said the Golden Point shop’s closure will only mean “a bit of extra love to give” to the original store.

“There’ll be no changes with Alfredton,” she said.

“I think that store will be a little busier now, because everyone from [the eastern] side of town know who we are now,” she said.