The Highlands community has helped The Phoenix Bookstore rise from the ashes, as it opens its new store on October 18.
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The second-hand bookstore was one of many stores which were destroyed in the fire on Wingecarribee Street and Bong Bong Street on July 1.
Store owner Phil Israel said the support of many Highlanders made the opening possible.
"If we hadn't received the support, I do not think we would have reopened," he said.
"People were ringing, bringing things, and wishing us all the best."
Mr Israel explained that when he did a callout for donations after the fire, books and other units came "into the thousands."
He estimated that they received between four thousand and five thousand items.
"It is incredible, there is no other word for it," he continued.
"We received very good books, CDs, vinyl records and DVDs."
The new store on Lamond Lane in Bowral has been under construction for months.
The shop owner explained it needed some final touches, but staff were ready to welcome people in.
"We hope to see people from Sydney and Canberra again in a few weeks, and with summer coming up as well," Mr Israel said.
"We have an open, electric fire which looks great, and Justine, one of the staff found a comfy chair.
"Once you sit in the chair, you won't want to get out of it," he laughed.
Mr Israel said while the fire had severe financial repercussions, it was also the time when retail spaces in the Highlands had to close due to lockdown.
He also said it has been the "perfect timing" to welcome people to the new premises now that stores have opened again.
The shop owner said he had many people he wanted to thank.
He thanks his wife Donna, Justine Joffe, and Matthew Anstee from Rain and Horne who worked "worked day and night" to help them get the space.
He also wanted to thank Josef Kovasevic for all his handiwork, and putting the space together.
The Phoenix Bookstore will open at 10am tomorrow.
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Briannah Devlin
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
I like to write about arts, entertainment, any local reality tv leads, and property for the Southern Highland News and Goulburn Post, but also report on everything in between. If you have any tips, please send them to Briannah.Devlin@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0439142204.
