Shepparton Barbeques Galore store owners Jason and Michelle Bathman remain positive about the future of the store.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
As hundreds of workers across Australia face redundancy following the collapse of the outdoor living chain retail store Barbeques Galore, the message from Shepparton is one of resilience.
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After almost 50 years of trading, the chain’s 62 company-owned stores went into voluntary administration in February, and despite several interested parties, no acceptable offers were made by late May, forcing the retailer into liquidation.
But for Shepparton’s franchise store, the focus quickly shifted from disappointment to survival, working alongside the 26 other franchise stores nationwide to find a secure path forward.
Store owner Jason Bathman said closing the Shepparton store was never considered because he and his wife, Michelle, had invested too much into the community to walk away.
“We are here for the long haul,” he said.
“We’ve put too much investment and too much into the community to close the doors and walk away from it.”
The announcement on June 9 that Barbeques Galore’s company-owned stores would close came as a shock to franchisees after months of optimism that a buyer would be found to revive the business.
As the Shepparton store operates as an independent franchise, its statement is clear: the doors are staying open.
The Shepparton Barbeques Galore franchise store stands firm on not closing its doors despite the national collapse of company-owned stores.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The 27 family-owned business owners have formed a close-knit network, working tirelessly in exploring several options to determine a future for the Australian brand.
“We know for sure that we are going to be here,” Mr Bathman said.
“Whether that’s under the Barbeques Galore name or another name, we’re committed to continuing to provide the same service and support to our customers.”
Despite the store’s future looking different behind the scenes, staff will remain employed, with customers able to shop normally and unlikely to notice any significant changes.
“From a consumer point of view, nothing’s changing apart from possibly a name,” he said.
The Shepparton store will be honouring Barbeques Galore gift cards at full face value until June 30, meaning customers aren’t required to spend $2 for every $1 on the card to redeem them.
It is a move Mr Bathman says reflects the business’s commitment to customers.
The message from the Shepparton store is simple: local jobs are secure, the doors remain open, and the business is determined to continue serving the community for years to come.
