Member Insight
“The opportunity to build a business from the ground up – and succeeding has been very rewarding” NEW MEMBER
GH Clothing, Murgon QLD When Target announced the imminent closure of their Murgon branch late last year, it sent uncertainty around the township. Set in southeast Queensland between Gympie and Kingaroy, and 3 ½ hours from Brisbane, the population of around 2500 ( 5000 in vicinity ) feared not only for the loss of jobs, but that business would be lost to neighbouring towns. They needed a plan. The Graham House Community Centre stepped in and rose to the challenge. As a not-for-profit charity organisation that strives to serve their community, they wanted to invest in a project, and at a board meeting, decided to investigate the opportunity. The local council were also very supportive. The concept was to open a store to service the township, employ locals and channel the profits back into the community via Graham House. Following a Google search, a professional mentor was found, who put together a business plan. It was during his work that Frontline was discovered and became part of the framework. In mid-August, GH Clothing became Members of Frontline, and were then able to start sourcing and purchasing stock for the opening via our Preferred Supplier network.
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By this stage, all the ex-Target staff had moved on to other employment, so the search began for a Store Manager and 4 other supporting staff. With a background in hospitality and retail, Kristy was first to come on board. She was keen to develop her skills and work for a business with “heart and soul behind it – something that meant something and helped others”.
encouraged by the enthusiasm and feedback. We want our community to have a say.” For Kristy, the “opportunity to build a business from the ground up – and succeeding has been very rewarding”. Welcome to Frontline, and we wish GH Clothing a very successful future!
Over the following months, the site was developed, and stock was bought. It had to be at the right price points, and not conflict with existing businesses in town. (They were consulted as part of the development). The overall offering was to be affordable mens, womens and kids apparel and footwear – under $60 retail. This would cater to the lower socio-economic residents, the farming and indigenous communities. After a soft opening mid-November, the Grand Opening of the 250 square metre store was on Saturday 20th November, which featured broadcasts by the local radio station, ribbon cutting by town Mayor, and a competition for a gift voucher. Initial sales expectations have been exceeded, due to curiosity and support, and more stock is frantically being sought. Graham House Manager, Christelle says “the support from the community has been so positive! We have been
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Store Opening Ribbon Cutting
Kristy (L), Michelle (R)
