Bunnings Begins To Close Stores Down Under

One of the oldest Bunnings Warehouse stores is due to close later this year, following a surprise decision from their owners Wesfarmers. The Whitfords Bunnings store, located north of Perth will close its doors for the final time, when the lease expires on 30th August.

'The Whitfords Warehouse is one of our older stores and we've made the decision to service customers from our surrounding stores, rather than commit to a further lease term,' Bunnings regional operations manager Hayley Coulson said. Mrs Coulson said no staff at the Whitfords store would lose their jobs as a result of the closure and they will be relocated to nearby stores.

'Our focus is on working with them and supporting them throughout this transition.Bunnings Whitfords team has done a great job serving local customers and the local community for more than 20 years.' 

City of Joondalup Councillor John Raftis said the closure would make it difficult for some people to get hold of hardware. Hopefully all of the staff will be able to transition to jobs at the other nearby Bunnings stores,' he said. For customers the journey to the hardware store is going to get a little longer.'

The surrounding stores in Joondalup, Wangara, Balcatta and Innaloo will be operating as normal. 

'This decision does not change Bunnings’ ongoing commitment in WA or store opening plans,' a Bunnings statement read. 'With new and improved replacement stores planned for Albany, Midland and Maddington, as well as a new smaller format store in Northam.'

Source: Insight DIY Team & Australian Press