A BIT bittersweet.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That's how long-time Westpoint newsagent Lachlan Sullivan described his last day of trading on Saturday morning after 20 years, when he was joined by his family, loyal customers and former staff for a cake-cutting before the door closed.
Though Mr Sullivan said he was looking forward to the next chapter in his life, and he and his family would take plenty of happy memories with them, he said the closure of Westpoint News, Toys and Gifts had highlighted its social role in the community.
READ ALSO:
"We had a good roll-up of longstanding customers [on Saturday morning] and some were very sad to see us go," he said.
"The really interesting thing about the whole process were the comments from people who said we could be the only people they spoke to each week.
"It really touched us, to be honest; we were really not aware of it.
"That made it a little bit harder on Saturday."
Mr Sullivan said he and his family had made plenty of friends over the past 20 years, "enjoyed plenty of stories, lots of goodhearted banter, lots of laughs" and, at times, shared customers' grief.
As well, Mr Sullivan - who was a long-time columnist in the Western Advocate - said he had gone in to bat on many issues on behalf of the community.
He said most of those who were "genuinely upset" about the newsagency closing felt they didn't get the same connection in other retail outlets.
READ ALSO:
For other retailers, he said, maybe the message was to occasionally ask customers whether they were okay.
"Do retailers understand the value they have in the local community?" he asked.
"It highlights an issue that does not get much of a profile."
Mr Sullivan said newspapers will be available at the Westpoint IGA now that the newsagency has closed "and we have sold our NSW Lotteries franchise to the Westpoint IGA too, so residents in coming months will be able to continue to have a flutter".
Home deliveries would also continue but through a new outlet, he said.
READ ALSO:
Running a small business is a team effort, he said, and he thanked his wife Rosaleen and daughters Lauren and Michaela for their support.
"We have all done our bit. We have loved every day participating in the Windradyne community, fulfilling our motto 'our family serving your family'."
The cake that was cut on Saturday morning was made by Peter Neubeck of Beck's Bakery, who was a long-time business neighbour to Mr Sullivan at Westpoint.
Mr Neubeck and his wife Carmel recently retired from the bakery game after running Beck's Bakery in George Street in the CBD for more than 10 years and their shop at the Westpoint centre for 22 years.
