14 OCTOBER 2020 | ISSUE 460 | FREE
WWW.GONAGAMBIE.COM.AU
After more than 100 years, an iconic family-run business is closing it's doors.
F.W. Parris and Sons, better known as "Parris’s" by locals, was opened in 1913 by Frederick William Parris and today is run by his greatgrandson, Bruce Parris. Recently, word has started to trickle out that Parris’ had been sold and Bruce and Gladys would soon close the store. FW Parris & Son will close for good by the end of October, but Bruce will keep the truck and continue to cart wool. Until then, they plan to sell every bit of stock they can. The Parris’s have decided to sell the property, and as Bruce put it, “get out of the game while we have our health.” It is impossible to understand Nagambie without understanding the hardware store at the Parris end of town — FW Parris has been a large component of what makes Nagambie what it is today. The family's dedication to community service that helped make Parris’ so special and both the store and the Parris family helped drive the town's growth from the 1910s to 2020. FW Parris and Son had a long history of going above and beyond, even talking people out of buying items they didn't need.
Bruce said shutting down is a difficult decision, but one that's been a long time coming. "It's not an overnight decision, Gladys and I have been planning this for some time," he said. “I’ve walked around here for 53 years,” Bruce explained of the decision, noting that he started working full time at the family business back in 1967 alongside his father. “Gladys and I have lived in the community and worked in the community for most of our lives. The timing is right,” he said. Peace of mind with the closure of the store didn’t diminish what will be lost, however. The family was quick to thank the many customers who have frequented the business over the years. “I’ll miss the people, and the customers, and the friendships that have been made,” Bruce said. Bruce and Gladys' son Robert will continue his volunteer work at Nagambie HealthCare. Currently he volunteers three half days per week. “He loves going up there to help out, you won’t keep him away from there,” said Gladys.
FW Parris is an historical landmark, by all means, but the people who run this business are wonderful. Like many customers at the store, the community is pleased that Bruce and Gladys will get to enjoy more time for themselves, but life at the ‘Parris End’ of Nagambie won’t be the same without them. The closing of the store is a big loss for the town and a big loss for the community. They’re down-to-earth. They’re friendly. They know what they’re doing. The majority of the customers, they probably know them by name. The property has been purchased by Damian Sanderson of John Sanderson Machinery and Rebecca Baker of Rebecca Baker Pharmacy. Damian Sanderson, has frequented FW Parris and Son for decades and echoed the bittersweet sentiments. “It’s been in their family a long time, and we are honoured to be moving into the premises,” said Damian. “It’s a local, small business. They have served the community well and I wish them all the best.” “Bruce will still be on site carting machinery and wool. Bruce has carted all our machinery
from Melbourne for the last 30 years and we are grateful he will continue to do so,” said Damian. Rebecca Baker Pharmacy will relocate to the premises in 2021. Rebecca is excited to be moving to bigger premises to offer an expanded range of products and services. “The new premise offers an exciting opportunity to expand our offering. We have outgrown our current space and look forward to what 2021 brings,” said Rebecca. There are hardware stores like the big chains but you can’t go to a big chain and always get some advice, some input that’s factual and good, and that is what FW Parris has offered. From the business network of Nagambie, we thank the Parris family for their contribution to the community and wish them good health and the very best. Enjoy the new chapter of your life Bruce, Gladys and Robert, you have served your community proud.
Photographed by: Love By Lou Photography