Karen's New Berrima General Store and Post Office has been an integral service to the community for 33 years, and is going to offer more than before in a new space.
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The store on Argyle Street in New Berrima is moving across the road, and the friendly staff are going to start serving customers from December 6.
The desire to upgrade to a new premises is something director Geoff Hanratty said has been 17 years in the making.
"Our whole driving force was to give to the community," he said.
Mr Hanratty and his wife Karen began planning in 2004 and received approval for a grant in 2006.
The Global Financial Crisis and other instances halted this arrangement and the couple "held on for 11 years and started planning again".
It was finalised in 2017.
Multiple generations of the Hanratty family have worked in the store and brought joy to Highlanders.
Customers become family, and the Hanratty's have seen families change over generations.
"They make your day," said owner Karen Hanratty.
"You might be really busy but they have a story to tell and include you in their life.
"The community support has done a lot for us."
Mr Hanratty said as the business evolved, they saw needs to make changes to improve their services to the community.
The business has transformed since it was bought in 1988 to include a post office, news agency, lottery stand, takeaway, fuel and groceries.
The grocery range has now been extended into a larger space, the lottery and post office have extended hours and the store is going to offer six petrol hoses.
"It's exciting that it's finally happening and it's nice when the town got behind it," daughter and worker Becky Carter said.
Customers will also have the opportunity to dine in, and also utilise a trailer hire, gas cylinders and purchase liquor, ice and firewood.
Highlanders of all ages can be assured that the general store's popular lolly counter is also moving across the road.
"It's an old fashion idea that we wanted to keep," Mr Hanratty said.
The community defibrillator is also being relocated to the new space and amenities can be found inside.
More employees have also been hired to work in the new space.
"It's been a pleasure to serve New Berrima because of the community support here," Mr Hanratty said.
Limited services such as the extended grocery range are going to be in operation from Monday (December 6) and other services will follow during the week.
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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.
