Universal Providers for over 100 years

John Tytherleigh was born in Islington, London, on January 28, 1867. His biography by his wife Edie “The Finest Man I Ever Knew” is a tribute to her husband, a hardworking business man who set up stores in Landsborough (1894), Woombye (1899), Maleny (1905) & Caloundra (1935).  John & Edie had 4 daughters & 2 sons and their family became managers of his stores.    He was a Councillor of the Caboolture Council representing Mellum Creek, which later became Landsborough and was the First Chairman of the Landsborough Shire Council.  

Photo of the Maleny Store, with the late Frank Rough on the left. Picture Sunshine Coast

Established by English born John Tytherleigh in 1905, the Universal Providers Maleny IGA store has undergone many overhauls in its 115 years. 

In its time the business has only had six owners, and has maintained the commitment to family and community that was the foundation of its inauguration all those years ago.

A resident of Landsborough, John Tytherleigh was well known as a community-minded man who became the first Mayor of the newly proclaimed Landsborough Shire. During his 39 years of residence in Landsborough, John took an active interest in public affairs. He was looked upon as a wonderful clear-minded and able leader.

Under John’s leadership the Landsborough School of Arts and Shire Hall were built. Despite his active interest in public affairs John Tytherleigh never neglected his business or family. He had four daughters and two sons, all of whom were involved in the Tytherleigh empire.

The Tytherleigh’s Maleny store was eventually bought out by G Eustacé in the early 60s. 

Later the store was purchased by W Ross when it was a 4-Square, then Struben & Cook in the 70s when the store became a Supa-Valu Food market.

The Frew family took on the business in the 80s and on the 2nd of October 1995, Rob and Sam Outridge took the reins and it has undergone many transformations since.

The couple retained the iconic Universal Providers trademark for Maleny IGA and that is how the business branding remains today. It remains the oldest original commercial premises in Maleny.