Long-time local store manager Simon Genoff has partnered with Betta Cohuna owners Craig and Atalie Warren to purchase the George St business and keep the local store open.
After a few minor upgrades and renovations, it re-opened to the public last week.
“I’ve been with Betta for more than 10 years now, and it was about 12 months ago - with the support of my wife Nichole - I started working with previous owner Rob Collicoat to become a part-owner,” Simon said.
“Rob was looking to retire eventually, and I wanted to make sure the business remained open and local; this town could not afford to lose another big business.
“When Rob announced his retirement, the opportunity to partner with Craig and Atalie came up and it seemed like a good fit.”
The Warrens, who have been in Cohuna for 15 years, took over the Cohuna Betta store three years ago.
Their track record there lead to Betta headquarters suggesting the partnership with Simon in Deniliquin.
Before going in to retail, Craig worked in project management. Atalie’s background is as a life coach.
“Craig needed a change and I was open for something new, and then Betta in Cohuna came up for sale,” Atalie said.
“It was not long after that the furniture business on the same street came up for sale, so we bought that too and merged the two businesses in the furniture store building.
“At Deniliquin we’re working with Simon to implement a fresh feel and a fresh look.
“We’ve already made a few changes, including changing our furniture range to Furniture Zone and bringing in a wider range of electrical goods.
“We expect our stock range to double in the coming months and eventually we’ll start to implement some of the other things we have had some success with at Cohuna.”
Craig said some minor renovations and refurbishments have already taken place at the store, with a new look facade the next thing on the list.
Also coming soon is a range of NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) approved items including walkers, scooters and mobility aids.
“We’ll also be doing what we can to offer sponsorship for local groups, and welcome people to come in and say ‘hi’ and talk to us about their needs,” Craig said.
“Please also ask us about whether you’re eligible for our newly implemented free delivery service.”
Also part of the Betta team at Deniliquin is delivery driver Luke McGregor, and the trio of managers say more local staff will be joining the business soon.
Plans for an official opening are now being organised, which will also aim to celebrate Deniliquin Betta becoming a corporate member of the Rotary Club of Denilquin.
The official opening activities will also include an exclusive event for Betta Club members to see the new store and meet the owners. More details will be released soon.
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