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Connecting people and communities
Thursday, 22 June, 2017 Page 55
berwicknews.starcommunity.com.au
BUSINESS SOUTH-EAST
Shoe business can be tough By Rebecca Skilton After 25 years of serving the Narre Warren and surrounding communities, Vereys Shoe Store in Fountain Gate has closed its doors for the final time. The changing face of retailing, coupled with cheap overseas product, is believed to be behind the closure. Only 20 years younger than the Narre Warren shopping complex itself, Vereys Shoe Store Fountain Gate was opened by Peter Verey in 1992. Catering primarily for children, the store was the final addition to the family shoe stores which featured in Ringwood, Dandenong, Doveton and Cranbourne. While the Dandenong store was first opened in 1922, up until Wednesday 21 July 2017, the Fountain Gate shop was the last Vereys Shoe Store remaining. “It was in my blood,” Mr Verey said. “It was started by my grandfather in Lonsdale Street, Dandenong in 1922. My father, Alf, took over from my grandfather in 1948, and then I took over from my father in 1976. “I took over (the Fountain Gate store) from another shoe business in 1992. It had been open for about three years prior to that and I sold it in 2007. "In those days we were the only one that specialised in children's shoes, whereas now there’s much more ... but seeing it close is sad really. It’s the end of an era.” A Clarks platinum specialist, the modern day Vereys Shoe Store was not only known for stocking school shoes, but also a number of reputable brands
The Vereys Shoe Store presence will just fall short of a century, having been founded in 1922.
Fountain Gate Vereys Shoe Store employee of 20 years, Jane, and owner of 10 years, Cim. 169671 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS such as Sketchers, New Balance, Garvalan, Airflex, Ecco, Bobux and Osh Kosh. The store also catered for women with labels such as Reiker, Allino, Via Nova, CBD and Allegria available on Vereys shelves. However, as Vereys Shoe Store owner and manager of 10 years Cimantha Hogton explained, it was the community and familial environment that came with working at Vereys that
really made working at the shoe store a special experience. “I love my job. I’ve always loved coming in and I love seeing the same people and I love the staff ... I like fitting the kids’ shoes; it makes you feel like you’re doing something important,” Cimantha said. “We know the kids, their stories and their families. We’ve seen them grow up ... we have a lot of new customers
but some of the familiar faces we’ve fitted their shoes from their first pair of shoes to their high school shoes ... which is the saddest part about closing.” With a team of qualified fitting specialists, the Vereys Shoe Stores existed for 95 years, thriving in the face of rapid development and influx of larger chain stores. But as Cimantha explained, it was the personal touch of
the independent shoe store that allowed it to prosper for over two decades. “We had a more personalised customer service,” Cimantha said. “We didn’t sell anything for the sake of selling ... it was about making sure the fits right and not about the sale. “But we had the same staff we had 10 years ago. We took over three of the original staff members and two have since retired and one - Jane - is still here. She’s been with the company for over 20 years.” A part of the family, the closing of Vereys Fountain Gate comes as a sad time for not only staff, but has proven difficult for generations of loyal Vereys customers. “We’ve had some people cry,” Cimantha admitted. “But the general reaction is that everyone is really sad because they know us and the brand and that we’ve been here for so long.”
Accounting to new heights By Narelle Coulter With the snip of a bright green ribbon, Highview Accounting’s new Codrington Street office complex was officially opened on Tuesday 20 June. Casey mayor Sam Aziz performed the honour with director Silvio Marinelli. Watching on were Highview’s 35 staff as well as directors Darren Crowther, Dave Sheahan and associate director Nick McPhillips. Also there was Heather Crowther, Darren’s mum, who bought Highview in the early 1990s with Silvio. Heather now works parttime as the firm’s internal accountant. “This is very much a family business and has been for a long time," Mr Marinelli said. “From very humble beginnings in a little lounge room where I first met Heather Crowther. I took her car park that day, so I apologise for that Heather. It has come a long way since then." Mr Marinelli said that even though the firm now had offices in Mornington and Prahran, Cranbourne would remain the central head office of the practice. “We like promoting the City of Casey as a fantastic place to do business," he said. Casey mayor Sam Aziz said Highview’s new office was “symbolic of the progress and success we like to see in this great city of ours". He commended Highview for its community focus, calling the business “an icon of this part of our city".
Highview founder Silvio Marinelli and Casey mayor Sam Aziz cut the ribbon to officially open the complex. 168155 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS
Glenn McNeill from Intuit Quickbooks, Julie West from the Thompsons Road Medical Clinic, Teresa Muratore from the ACE Foundation and Mayfield Ward councillor Amanda Stapledon. “The builder has done a fantastic job, and I believe it is carbon neutral building." Mr Aziz outlined the growth expected in the City of Casey over the next 20 years, telling the Highview directors “your customers will be thriving all around you". “Highview has been the Casey Business of the Year, which is further testament to the excellence and best practice you exhibit on your organisation. “I am sure you will continue to go from strength to strength.“ Mr Marinelli made special mention of the long associations Highview has enjoyed over decades with associates including Michael Jaboor at Allianz, Nik Raymond at Corporate Finance and Michael Gershkov and Garry Crole at InterPrac. “We value those relationships," Mr Marinelli said. “When we find someone we are happy with, we don’t change."
From left, InterPrac representatives Michael Gershkov and Brent Jones with Highview financial planner Bruce Chisholm. 168155
Highview staff Julian Muldoon and Sam Nixon. 168155
Mr Gershkov said it was great to see firms of the calibre of Highview committing resources and providing employment in the outer suburbs. “This is a great area, and this new building is great for Silvio and his team," he said. The morning tea raised $1403 for the Cancer Council.
Highview staff Ash Walker and Chantal Benbow with marketing manager Brodie Crowther and director Darren Crowther. 168155
Jason Ferns from MD Office Choice with, from left, Saree Bremert, Leanne Custerson and Sue Mason, all from A Positive Move. 168155