ONE of Orana Mall's biggest and most prominent shopfronts will be empty from next month after the Bernardi Group announced plans to shut its Supa IGA store on May 1.
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But it won't stay that way for long with confirmation that leading electrical goods retailer JB Hi-Fi will fill the premises in September with one of it's JB Hi-Fi Home outlets.
It's not the only news coming out of Orana Mall, with Bachrach Naumburger Group general manager Steve Gooley also confirming a Mad Mex restaurant will be opening at the facility in either July or August.
The closure of the IGA, which in 2013 filled the vacant site formerly occupied by Franklins, has been blamed on the direct impact of competition from rival supermarket chains Woolworths, and more specifically, Aldi.
A total of 32 full-time employees have been offered redundancies, while a number of casual staff will also be impacted, but in a statement the Bernardi Group said "the staff of the Supa IGA will be the Bernardi family's immediate priority".
It is believed Bernardi's will be contacting other major retailers, including JB Hi-Fi, to seek employment opportunities and assist with resumes for the employees.
"During our three-year tenure, it was observed that a model of two major supermarkets trading directly adjacent was extremely challenging," Bernardi Group director Joe Bernardi said.
"The entrance of Aldi into the Dubbo market further compounded the situation and the difficult decision was made to close. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal Dubbo staff and customers for their support."
Mr Gooley said the timing of Bernardi's exit and JB Hi-Fi's entry worked in conveniently for the mall operators.
"Metcash (the owners of IGA) and Bernardi's came to us asking for an exit strategy and we were able to oblige with that, and at the same time we knew JB Hi-Fi wanted to come to Dubbo and we had one of their stores in our Coffs Harbour centre," Mr Gooley said.
"The JB Hi-Fi store will be one of the JB Hi-Fi Home outlets which will also sell whitegoods, and will be the first of its kind in regional NSW.
"It will fill any hole Dick Smith leaves in the market as far as televisions and electrical items are concerned and we think it will also make Harvey Norman and The Good Guys competitive, which is fantastic for the consumers of Dubbo and the central west.
"We've also signed Mad Mex, which is another significant offer, and they should be open in July or August with a location close to where The Coffee Club currently operates."
