Regional general store owners say they love their jobs, but with rising pressures there are concerns whether there'll be anyone willing to take on the challenge when they sell up.
George Copelin took over the Mount Burr Store after moving from the US.General stores are facing pressures including rising costs and competition from big businesses.
But Mrs Copelin said economic challenges in the wake of the pandemic were making it harder to do business.ABC South East SA: Bec WhethamDelivery services offered by supermarkets and restaurants in larger towns are also taking their toll."Inflation has been horrendous and people just haven't had the money to spend."Having those home delivery services that we can't compete with hasn't been very easy either.
" simply can't compete with the prices that are on offer because of the buying power these larger players have."Mr Kay said rising costs of wages, energy, insurance, and other inputs were impacting businesses. While the Copelins enjoy working for themselves and meeting new customers, Mr Copelin admits the hours can be wearisome."Because of where we are we don't have a lot of people to choose from."" just the inconsistency and the unknown all the time in the store that makes it quite difficult," Mrs Copelin said.The Mount Burr store is one of very few businesses in the small timber town.Mrs Copelin said she was not sure what the future would hold for general stores.
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