By Sarah Falson
EAGLE FARM, Qld: BSR is hedging its bets on Queensland’s regional suburb, Gladstone, as the site for a new Chandlers Superstore, as the area is a “thriving centre,” according to the retail group.
The 1250 square metre superstore (1000 square metres of which is retail floor space) opened its doors on Monday with a formal industry launch scheduled for early March.
The Chandlers store will compete with an already-established Harvey Norman store also in the coastal suburb’s new development, although the Harvey Norman outlet has moved from its former premises in the same suburb so will need to settle in as much as its competitor.
According to BSR general manager, Ian Brown, Chandlers welcomes the competition.
“Of course Harveys is competition,” Brown told Current.com.au today.
“But being beside a Harveys is always good. We have always found Harveys is excellent competition because it draws customers to the centre.”
Brown said that although the Harvey Norman store is larger in total size with its furniture and bedding departments, its electrical department isn’t as big as the Chandlers store, which will concentrate on only selling electrical products.
The manager of the Gladstone Superstore is Graeme Hutchinson, while the proprietor is Brett Jordinson, who also runs a Betta Electrical store in Gladstone.
“The Chandlers brand [off the back of the Betta Electrical name] has been a household name in Gladstone for many years and is recognised as a trusted place to shop,” said Jordison.
“I’m sure customers will embrace the new superstore concept – the first time it has been seen in Gladstone — and continue to back locally-owned businesses.”
According to Brown, eight staff members have been hired to man the new Chandlers superstore, which will specialise in home entertainment, home theatre, plasma, LCD and "other technology”.