Vandalism, rising petrol prices and interest rates and increasing competition for locally-owned convenience stores have taken their toll on the Moss Vale Mini Mart.

Owner Geoff Hosey said after four years trying to keep the historic convenience store alive, the time had finally come to move on to something new.

“One of the longest running shops in the area is finally closing its doors for progress,” Mr Hosey said.

“It’s really very difficult to be a small shopkeeper these days.

“My business consisted of three key areas: sandwich bar, groceries, and confectionary.

“The impact of the drought, interest rates, and petrol prices meant that people couldn’t afford to come in and buy sandwiches.

“They took their own lunch to work, so our sandwich service wasn’t doing so well.

“As far as groceries are concerned, BiLo and Tuckerbag are just too close.

“People complain when your prices are higher but they forget they’re paying for convenience.

“They get to park at the door instead of trying to navigate Tuckerbag carpark and they can walk straight in and grab what they want instead of searching all the aisles.”

“Confectionary was always successful but then again you get people coming in telling you they used to get huge bags of lollies when they were young for half the price.