Throughout The Reject Shop’s inaugural trading day, eager customers flocked to explore the vast array of Christmas items and budget-friendly products showcased in-store.
Just before the doors to the Allan St store slid open on Thursday, December 5, the opening was celebrated with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Campaspe Shire’s Mayor Daniel Mackrell and Deputy Mayor Jessica Mitchell.
It is the first time since K-Hub left Kyabram in Februrary this year that the large retail space situated on the corner of Allan and Union Sts has been open to the public.
Prior to the launch, social media discussions revealed disappointment that the vacant space wasn’t occupied by a discount clothing retailer — a gap in Kyabram’s local economy.
Currently, residents travel to Echuca or Shepparton for lower-priced clothing options.
However, many commenters agreed any new store in town would be a welcome addition.
“Whether we agree or disagree on The Reject Shop (being) here, it’s amazing to have the building filled with new job opportunities for the locals. So come on, let’s all get behind every local store and keep our kids in jobs,” Maureen Walsh said.
The new store has created employment opportunities for 15 local residents, including several students, who are now ready to provide the Kyabram community with a wide range of affordable products.
The Reject Shop chief executive Amy Eshuys said she understood the town’s desire for more clothing options in town; however, expressed her hopes that the discount store would be able to fill gaps in trolleys in other ways.
“We will always focus on having essential items, whether that be health, wellbeing or confectionery,” she said.
“In the summertime we try to bring in hats and thongs, and in winter we bring in socks, scarves, slippers and accessories — so we’ll always try to look at how the store performs, look at the products and see if what we sell makes sense for that town.”
She said the company was excited to have opened before Christmas so it could help customers lower their grocery bills ahead of an especially expensive time of the year.
“It was important for us to open before Christmas because The Reject Shop are famous for their Christmas products ... so come check us out, we really do have something for everyone,” she said.