Store thrives on small-town service
Wayne & Gab Pawson ... “The independent buying group we are involved with allows for fantastic buying power”.
Family and country life were strong drawcards for Gab and Wayne Pawson when they took on Yandina Hardware 18 years ago. And the rewards of doing business in a close knit community have ensured their conviction to the town has endured.
“I had been working in the plumbing and building industry in New South Wales,” said Wayne. “And Gab grew up in a farming family in Adelaide and had started an electrical apprenticeship. Then my parents decided to retire to Ninderry.
“I loved the area and the country town feel of Yandina, so I decided to make the move here too. Shortly after moving up I met Gab in the Hardware store and we started going out.”
“We kept it under the radar for quite a while and spent a lot of time hanging out at the bowls club,” Gab said. “We thought we were being very discreet, but eventually Wayne’s Dad put two and two together.”
Getting into the hardware store seemed to be a good match for their combined work experiences. “And I think that is what has allowed us to expand our product range to meet the needs of our customers in a way that has built amazing loyalty,” Gab said.
“But what has been most important, is our service. We have built wonderful relationships with our customers. Service is everything.”
Rising to the challenge of COVID-19 Yandina Hardware started offering free deliveries five days a week.
“When restrictions began, some of our older staff members had to temporarily self-isolate for their own safety,” said Gab.
“But we soon found there were others in our community who had lost their jobs so they were able to step in and help out with deliveries. Right now, one of our drivers is an airline pilot who has been stood down.
“Thanks to him we have been able to double our deliveries. And there are countless examples of business owners here in Yandina creating opportunities to support each other and customers through this incredibly stressful time. It is impossible not to be passionate about this place when this is happening all around us.”
“We are seeing an increased demand right now for Australian products,” said Wayne. “And we have found so many terrific products across all sectors to meet that demand.”
In terms of Australian permaculture and organic gardening products, Yandina Hardware carries Rocky Point products and Grow liquid fertilisers, Gab said.
“We also stock quality soils and seeds as people are becoming more interested in growing their own food.”
As independents the business is not beholden to a particular supplier on any of their range.
“That means we can offer products we believe are the best, and will best fulfil our customers needs and expectations. The independent buying group we are involved with allows for fantastic buying power. That keeps our pricing extremely competitive,” Wayne said.
“For example, at the moment we are focussing on hand and power tools. We’ve sourced a range of Australian products that are absolutely exceptional. Plus, you won’t find them at Bunnings or Mitre 10. We have created a completely different offering, which I think locals appreciate.
Yandina Hardware is open 7 days. “Actually, weekends are a very busy time for us,” said Gab. “We stock lots of pool and spa products and offer free water testing, which keeps us very busy during the warmer months in particular. And the weekends also bring out the handymen. We carry a very large range of timber, DIY and building materials.”
With his background, Wayne is usually kept busy with plumbing enquiries. “When things go wrong, he can help people solve their plumbing issues. We can refill LPG gas bottles of all sizes, from 1kg to 9kg. There are only five days a year that we close, so you can be pretty sure we can help you out, whatever it is you are after,” she said.
Yandina Hardware is open: 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday; Saturday from 7am-4pm; Sunday 8am-4pm. You can find them at 22 Farrell St, Yandina. 5446 8588. www.YandinaHardware.com