It has been one year since The Foundry Murwillumbah opened its doors, providing a new look news, lifestyle and gift emporium and a talking point for locals, a destination for visitors and a new benchmark for suppliers and the industry.
The business took a gamble on investing in a 1908 building and diversifying its product range, but industry representatives believe this decision is reaping rewards. Chief Executive Office of The Newsagents Association (NSW and ACT) said, “The Foundry Murwillumbah represents a new era in retailing for newsagents. Whilst still focussed on newspapers, magazines and stationery, [The Foundry] has embraced an exciting retail offering, creating a retail destination well suited to the needs of customers and the Murwillumbah community.”
Staff are just as passionate about providing a rare shopping experience now as they were when the store opened. Owner Lee Kirkwood believes it is the uniqueness of the store that has proven beneficial in gaining customer interest and enhanced visitor numbers in the first year of operation. “Responding to customer needs and supporting the business community remains our focus and the encouragement we’ve received from people who have chosen to shop locally has been overwhelming,” he said. “Murwillumbah is becoming a destination in its own right with great boutique coffee shops, restaurants and a variety of bespoke retail shopping options – housed within historic architecture that characterises this town.”
The restoration of the building and the opening of The Foundry complements other developments and business investments that have occurred in the town including the M-Arts Precinct, The Imperial Hotel and Husk Distillers. The Tweed currently has the highest number of day trippers on the North NSW Coast, making the Foundry a bustling hub in the heart of Murwillumbah.
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