A number of premises in Laurieton have been forced to close due to hard financial times.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Peg's Place & Laurieton Leisurecraft will close up shop on Friday, August 17.
Pat Kerr said the decision was a hard one to make, as she has made many new friends during her time at the shop. Unfortunately she said it was a decision that had to be made.
The business has been operating as Peg's Place & Laurieton Leisurecraft for over 30 years.
After nearly two years Peg said she is closing due to lack of local support and because the business is not financially viable.
“I haven’t drawn a wage since I’ve been here,” she said.
Pat said people are choosing to shop online instead of supporting local businesses.
She said the Laurieton Riverwalk Markets draw people away from shopping locally.
“Stallholders come from elsewhere and drag money out of the town,” she said.
Pat thanked loyal customers for their support.
The announcement comes after the recent closures of Candy Stix Confectionery and Lolly Shop and Laurieton Variety and Pet Store.
The Laurieton ANZ bank branch will no longer be in operation from October 4.
Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce executive Marisha Woods said the organisation recognises that there is change happening in Laurieton.
“Like many other regional towns across Australia, it is becoming harder to compete with the low prices and large selection in regional cities such as Port Macquarie,” she said.
Ms Woods said the chamber will run a number of initiatives and workshops over the next 12 months.
“These are structured to support small businesses to evolve and innovate their products and services, educate the community on buying local and create a brand for the Camden Haven to attract visitors and investors to the area,” she said.