Palmwoods Hardware & rural business changes hands

Kerry Prior, right, is  handing over the reigns to new owner Brad Baillache. 

Palmwoods Hardware & Rural Supplies  has been sold after 20 years under the ownership of popular locals Kerry & Cheryl Prior. 

Kerry handed over the reigns to new owner Brad Baillache last Monday (August 1). 

Kerry Prior with staff member Aaron Hollier, pictured when Kerry took over the business in March 2003.

“It’s been a little overwhelming at times,” said Kerry. “I’ve had quite a few people coming in to shake my hand and say goodbye. I’ll really miss the banter and the daily interactions with the friends I’ve made over the counter over the years. 

“Helping people has always been our focus and that leads to warm relationships with our customers. Money was never our prime motivation but the business has grown and I’d ike to think that success has been the result of our team’s great service.”

Kerry said population growth had seen the hinterland change a lot over his years behind the counter from a farming area to a residential hub.  “In the early days we were a complete farm-focussed business,” he said. “The product range was totally about farming, whereas now we’ve diversified more into a do-it-yourself and hardware store. There aren’t many farmers left in the area, but there’s a heck of a lot of houses. It’s just a sign of the times. All of this beautiful farming country has had to adapt and we’ve had to transition to cater to the new demographic.”

New owner Brad Baillache said he was looking forward to the challenge of running the business and honouring Kerry and Cheryl’s legacy. 

“We look forward to taking care of the community with great service and good will, just like Kerry and the team have done over the years in all things farm, rural and hardware,” he said. 

• Palmwoods Hardware & Rural Supplies (formerly Palmwoods Farm & Garden) is in Briggs Street. Phone 5445 9076.