AUSTRALIA’S biggest discount furniture store Super A-Mart is coming to Ballarat.
It is believed it could be located in the former Bunnings Wendouree store in Gillies Street.
Super A-Mart is advertising its two new stores – in Ballarat and Sunshine – on its website but doesn’t give a location.
However, it specialises in warehouse-style stores, with Super A-Mart chief executive officer Eddie MacDonald describing them as “the Bunnings of furniture”. It will open in March, which was the timeframe for a new tenant reported by The Courier yesterday.
Owned by private equity firm Ironbridge since 2006, it sources its products mainly from China and currently operates 30 stores across Australia.
However, it does plan to open 50 more stores, including in Tasmania and the Northern Territory where Super A-Mart currently doesn’t operate.
Commerce Ballarat chief executive Jodie Gillett yesterday said it would be good for Ballarat to see the former Bunnings store used again if Super A-Mart did locate there.
She also said Ballarat retailers would rise to the competition.
“Our retailers are constantly being faced with competition and challenges and they will improve what they offer ... and provide a point of difference.”
Super A-Mart did not return The Courier’s calls yesterday.
Email a friend