Naracoorte makes retail history

WHILE many major retail groups continue to shut up shop, Australian workwear label RB Sellars is doing the opposite – expanding its bricks-and-mortar presence, opening its first ever South Australian store in Naracoorte on October 18.

RB Sellars CEO Jim Gall said it was a considered but easy decision.

“We believe in a bright future for rural and regional Australia,” Mr Gall said. “Most of our customers are farmers and we need to meet them where they are.

The newly opened store is located at 99 Smith Street, Naracoorte, and will employ five locals, alongside the local contractors, builders, and other partners involved in its setup.

A forensic look at the company’s online sales revealed a huge customer base in the Limestone Coast, in particular, the Naracoorte area.

“So rather than opening a store in Adelaide it made sense to open a store where our customers are,” Mr Gall said. “And we find customers in the country like to try things on and still prefer to shop in store for clothing.

“With agriculture and trade driving more than half of the local economy in Naracoorte, RB Sellars is moving in to meet its SA customers where they live and work.”

“We are demonstrating our commitment to the community. We see ourselves as an agricultural business as much as in the fashion business.”

Mr Gall is also confident the new store will generate increased economic activity for Naracoorte, with customers in the surrounding districts heading to the RB Sellars store but then also spending money at other local businesses.

Naracoorte is RB Sellars 18th store nationwide but Mr Gall has suggested it will not be the last.

“We do have plans to open more,” Mr Gall said. “Naracoorte is just the start.”