Birdsnest’s evolution
In 1860 James Hain built a small General Store ‘Hain & Co’ on the Southside of what is now known as Sharp Street. Hain & Co grew to become the largest privately owned retail store in the Southern Region under Lindsay Hain’s ownership, which stretched from 1947 to 1984. Grace Bros then operated in the building for about nine years after Hain & Co closed down. After Grace Bros, members of the Hain Family once again opened a retail store in the building ‘Hains Country Store’. The space is now occupied by the Birdsnest store as a retail outlet with a hugely successful online operation and warehouse. Birdsnest now employs more than 100 people and is recognised as one of Australia’s leading online businesses. Visitors travel from all over the country to come to the store and experience the unique Birdsnest shopping experience. The store has become a tourist attraction in its own right and put Cooma on the map in the fashion and retail industry. Business owner Jane Cay has been recognised and celebrated at a national level for her entrepreneurial prowess and unique story of success. She is often asked to speak at conferences and such events to share her inspirational story.
Solicitors last the distance well
Last and Maxwell is a long established firm of solicitors founded by John Last and Donald Maxwell in 1985 in premises above Percy’s Newsagency at 154 Sharp Street, Cooma. The firm continued to operate in those premises for 27 years. In April 2012 the firm relocated to larger premises at 12 Bombala Street, Cooma. In 2007 the firm opened another office in Nuggets Crossing Jindabyne. The firm currently operates with four experienced solicitors and seven support staff in the Cooma and Jindabyne offices, where they offer a wide range of legal serves for businesses and individuals.
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