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TONY DOONER D O O N E R S
H O M E M A K E R S
CLARE AND ERIS DOONER OPENED THEIR FAMILY FURNITURE BUSINESS HERE IN ARMIDALE OVER 57 YEARS AGO. ONE OF THEIR SONS, TONY, HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE BUSINESS HIS WHOLE LIFE AND IS PROUD TO BE CARRYING ON THE LEGACY OF DOONERS FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
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hen did Dooners first begin as a business, and why? My dad (Eris), if you have not heard of him, came to Armidale from Sydney in 1956 as a relief manager of a furniture store. He worked for the shop’s parent company in Sydney. He tells me that when he first arrived here, he thought, “This will do do me! I fell in love with the place”. After returning to Sydney, he really wanted to come back to Armidale. Yes, he fell in love with the place, but I think his greatest motivation for returning to Armidale was that he fell in love with my mum, Clare, who at the time worked at Jury’s. Eris and Clare opened Dooners in 1959 at 151 Beardy Street, which is in now what is
40 new england focus.
called the Central Mall. They married in 1960, business before pleasure; it’s a great love story. How has the business changed and evolved over the years? Mum and Dad were at 151 Beardy Street until 1972. They then purchased 136 Beardy Street, which was previously occupied by a Coles owned supermarket; this is where we still are today. The business itself has to keep changing all the the time. We are part of a fabulous buying and advertising group, “Homemakers”. This group has the knowledge and ability to develop and import product (imported furniture is a massive part of our industry), and we supply and showcase the very best of Australian manufacturers. Our Australian lounge manufacturers are still
the best in the world. We pride ourselves on that good on the pans, but I really enjoy it. I the quality of the goods we provide. have a long way to catch up to What do you love most my wife, Maryann’s, talents about what you do? with an apron on! I love When the whole plan a good wine, a good comes together: when movie, and spending Our Australian you get the first client time with my wife. lounge ill st e brief to the finished Plans for the ar rs re tu manufac . ld or w e product and delivering future? th in st the be s ve el rs ou e to the house is great. We are 57 years id pr We the The client’s young. I am 53 and on the quality of ” e. goods we provid satisfaction is the have great memories reward. of being involved at Outside of work, what “the shop” for all of are your interests? my life. Sunday is our day off. We are very proud to still Sometimes you will find me on the be a unique family business and golf course with a good mate. I also love look forward to the years ahead. to get in the kitchen - not sure that I am Thanks Tony.
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