One of Perth’s last independent hardware stores, Mount Lawley Hardware, is set to close its doors after more than four decades of service. Owners Lisa and Glenn Stagg have announced that the business, located on Beaufort Street, is no longer financially sustainable due to challenging economic conditions.
The store has been a staple in the Mount Lawley community for 45 years, providing essential tools and supplies to local residents. However, after 23 years of ownership, the Staggs have decided to shut down operations. Lisa Stagg explained the decision, stating, “It’s just not really viable anymore to be able to maintain the level of stock and everything in the economy, the way it is today.”
Economic Pressures and Changing Consumer Habits
Mount Lawley Hardware’s struggles are emblematic of broader economic pressures affecting small businesses. The rise of online shopping has significantly impacted brick-and-mortar stores, with many consumers opting for the convenience and often lower prices offered by online retailers. This shift in consumer behavior has been particularly challenging for small hardware stores that rely on local foot traffic.
While competition from large chains like Bunnings has been a factor, Ms. Stagg emphasized that it wasn’t the primary reason for their decision to close. “It’s not just Bunnings themselves but also, you’ve got the internet,” she noted. The younger generation, moving into smaller homes or units, often lacks the space or inclination for DIY projects, further reducing demand for traditional hardware supplies.
The Bunnings Effect
Despite outlasting nearby Bunnings stores, the influence of the retail giant has been felt in other ways. Ms. Stagg explained that suppliers now prefer dealing with larger orders, offering discounts and rebates for bulk purchases. “Suppliers want bulk buys, they want to give more discounts and rebates for the purchase of more stock, you have to order a certain amount of stock before they’ll deliver,” she said.
“Bunnings have done a wonderful job in their advertisements so people no longer say ‘I’m going to go down to the hardware’, they say ‘I’m going to Bunnings’.” — Lisa Stagg
This shift in supplier dynamics has made it increasingly difficult for smaller stores to compete, as they cannot match the purchasing power of larger chains.
Community Support and Future Plans
Since announcing the closure, the Staggs have received an outpouring of support from loyal customers. “Ninety per cent of our customers are regulars, they’ve all come to us loyally and had accounts with us,” Ms. Stagg said. The community’s reaction has been one of sadness and understanding, with many expressing their dismay at the loss of a beloved local institution.
“Most of them are horrified [about the closure] which is understandable, they’re sad for us but in reality we’re more sad for them.” — Lisa Stagg
Looking ahead, the Staggs have plans to transition to new ventures. Ms. Stagg intends to work in another food business they own, while her husband has already started a new job in a different hardware store. The couple is also looking forward to enjoying weekends off, a rare luxury in their previous line of work.
The closure of Mount Lawley Hardware marks the end of an era for the local community, reflecting broader trends in the retail landscape. As small businesses continue to face economic challenges, the importance of supporting local enterprises becomes ever more apparent.
