Established in 1910
a sale and know they are getting the best price every time. I think most people are savvy enough to work out what represents good value.” The reputation and trust that Melbourne Furnishing Co has built over more than a century has ensured it attracts plenty of repeat customers. “We get a lot of loyal customers coming back to us whenever they need something and we’ve even seen repeat business continuing on through different generations of some local families,” Talia notes. The store’s customer base begins at its doorstep in Wonthaggi and stretches across a wide area of South Gippsland.
“We do a lot of business in Phillip Island and cover all the way up to Lang Lang. We go to Mirboo North, Leongatha and Korumburra, down to Walkerville, Sandy Point and all the way across to Port Franklin,” Talia says. “Delivery is free in Wonthaggi and the most we ever charge for other locations is eighty five dollars. My delivery boys will also bring the items inside and unpack and assemble them if needed. We also offer additional services such as removing old mattresses. Some of those extras include a small charge but we always seek to go above and beyond with our customer service.” In steering the business, Talia manages to avoid any crossover between work and her family life. At home her world turns to her eleven-year-old daughter, Matilda (named after Talia’s grandmother) and her partner, Peter, who has two children of his own. “I’m the only member of the family working in the business,” Talia notes. Does she think Matilda will one day extend the family business involvement to a fifth generation? “Oh, I hope not,” she laughs.
“Matilda thinks she’s going to be a world famous actress at the moment. What’s more important to me is that when I retire, whenever that may be, the thing I’d most like to see is that our reputation and focus on customer service carries on with the business. I’d like the next owner to continue that tradition, whether it happens to be a family member or someone else.” Talia says she has no major plans on her radar to drastically alter or grow the business. “I’m very happy doing what I’m doing. This area is growing exponentially at the moment as more people move into the area and it’s lovely to be able to play a part in helping them to settle in.” She is presently revamping the store’s website to include more product range, but is undecided as to whether to introduce an online shopping service for Melbourne Furnishing Co’s customers. “I’m not sure about online. When it comes to furniture, I think people still prefer to touch and feel, and see the quality close up,” she observes. Melbourne Furnishing Co’s opening hours are 9am to 5pm on weekdays and Saturday from 9am to noon. The store has continued to trade with little or no disruption throughout the coronavirus pandemic. “We only closed for a couple of days over Easter, but that was it,” Talia says. “We’ve had to implement social distancing and hygiene protocols like everyone else, but otherwise it’s been pretty much business as usual, at times even busier than normal. I see that partly as a testament to the standard of our service, but also as a byproduct of how the current times have created a heightened awareness within the community of the many benefits of shopping local.” The Melbourne Furnishing Co 119 Graham Street Wonthaggi VIC 3995 www.melbournefurnishingco.com.au
gippsland lifestyle spring ����
55