FOR the first time since the store was built 30 years ago, Bathurst Big W is undergoing a rebuild from the ground up.
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Store manager Duncan Pacey said the rebuild, which began behind the scenes in February, will be completed for the store’s relaunch on Saturday, November 7.
Mr Pacey, who was unable to give a value for the refurbishment, said the store was being rebuilt literally from the ground up.
“The initial stages began back in February, but these were invisible to the public,” he said.
“Since then we’ve been working away, and are moving quickly towards its completion and relaunch on November 7.”
He said the rebuild, as well as other work, showed the company’s faith in the Bathurst economy.
“The company has refurbished the Woolworths supermarket in the same centre, and built Masters, the other Woolworths supermarket and Dan Murphy’s, so it shows the company is prepared to invest in regional communities,” he said.
“I think Bathurst is one of those places people love to live, and the company sees how strong its economy is.
“This rebuild is a commitment to that.”
He is confident customers will be impressed by the new store.
“Some of the changes include a self-serve area and a ‘party store’ within the store,” he said.
“That’s something new to Big W. We think we are filling a gap in the market and we are expecting it to be very popular.
“It will have a wide range of party stock at Big W prices.”
Mr Pacey said there will also be a new tech centre incorporating the photo lab and home entertainment.
“There will be a lot of changes – things the store has been lacking for the last 20 to 30 years, things like new fitting rooms with wheelchair access,” he said.
Mr Pacey said the store’s relaunch party will include performances by Cirkus Surreal, a Welcome to Country and giveaways.
