By ALENA HIGGINS
LOCAL bargain hunters will be flexing their purse strings after it was revealed a new lease has been inked for the former Warwick Crazy Clark’s store.
The lessees, Harsad and Joshna Kumar, have more than 20 years’ experience in Brisbane and hope to open their family owned chain “Choice Discount Variety Store” at the Grafton Street premises by the end of next week.
At least three former Crazy Clark’s employees, including the store manager and second-in-charge, will be retained at the new store, while positions for seven more are currently being advertised.
Mr Kumar, whose family own about eight discount stores spread across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, said his first foray into regional Queensland was made after careful due diligence.
“We looked around a few places and realised there is not much competition in Warwick compared to other country towns,” Mr Kumar said.
“What we do is a little bit different and we have a point of difference.”
Warwick Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice-president Jason Gard welcomed the announcement.
“The Warwick Chamber of Commerce and Industry are happy to see another business invest in Warwick,” Mr Gard said.
“We feel that it is a good sign that the family owned chain have chosen to expand into the Southern Downs and have chosen Warwick as the site of the newest store.
“We hope that the people and businesses of Warwick will join us in welcoming them to our community.”
Denis Courtney of Wade Real Estate confirmed the lessees had “signed a long lease” and would be in Warwick “long term”.
It is understood the Reject Shop has taken over the tenancy at the former Stanthorpe Crazy Clark’s store and will open later this month.
Crazy Clark’s Stanthorpe and Warwick were forced to close in July and August respectively following the collapse of their parent company DSG Group.
