Helensburgh & District News

October 2007 - Vol.17 No.9

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By Heather Smith
The streetscape of Helensburgh is changing rapidly with the opening of House Warehouse in Walker Street, the upcoming opening of Grima Brothers Fresh Markets in the old PRD office and a new proprietor at the florist.
The manager of House Warehouse, Michael Lapanaitis, said the store was one of his biggest at 800sq m and provided the opportunity to present a larger range of merchandise.
“There’s a lot more variety because of the size,” said Michael, who added that he was very pleased with the response since the store opened on 10 September.
“It’s certainly what the town needed,” he said. “Previously people had to travel to Engadine or Wollongong to get what we have here.
“The store fills a need for the community.”
Michael, who confesses to a love of stacking shelves, said the presentation of the store was very important.
“We’re basically a $2 shop that merchandises well,” he said.
Further north on the same side of Walker Street, a fruit and deli is expected to open later this month or early November.
Brothers Joe, Manuel and Peter Grima, who operate the Heathcote fruit shop and nearby florist, have had their eye on Helensburgh for quite some time.
“We needed to find the right shop in the right place – there’s a desperate need for quality fruit and veggies there,” said Manuel.
The family has been involved in fruit retailing for 30 years and will source a good deal of their produce direct from relative’s farms.

“Our in-laws have farms at Austral and Leppington so the lettuce, cauliflower, celery and tomatoes will come direct from the growers,” Manuel said.
About half the produce will be organic and a “good old-fashioned deli” will be the centerpiece of the store, with a 7m bay offering an array of cold meats, cheeses and other goods.
“We will be concentrating on being consistent every day, offering quality fruit and veggies at the right price,” said Manuel. Continental groceries will also be stocked at the Fresh Markets.
The store will be open from 8am to 6.30pm weekdays and 8am to 4pm weekends.
At Bewdiful Blooms & Balloons, Kay Parrish is looking forward to “a lovely holiday” as she hands over the stems to Stanwell Park florist Jo Riley.
Jo has bought the business, including all stock, and took over on 20 September.
“I will be extending the giftware range and introducing gifts for children as well as books,” she said.
Jo, who is in the final stages of her third year of advanced floral design at Padstow TAFE, has been working at In Bloom florist at Miranda for the past two years and has been a florist for nine.
“This was a great opportunity and the timing was right for both of us,” she said.
“It’s definitely the next step and I’m very excited to be able to provide good quality flowers for the area.”
Jo, who specializes in weddings and corporate work, will be marrying Jeremy Keed on 6 October but says she won’t be doing her own flowers.

She will be introducing a wider variety of flowers to the store, including tropicals and seasonals, and is looking forward to the redevelopment of her site by landlord Andy Offord.
“It will be restored to its original charm with verandahs and will be a nice place to come into,” Jo said.

Photos:
Top: Florist Jo Riley
Middle: Fruiterers (from left) Manuel, Peter and Joe Grima
Bottom: Manager Michael Lapanaitis with Katherine Upcroft