Adored Burra newsagency and retail outlet, That Country Store, FOR SALE
Many country towns have lost their once-thriving newsagents over the years, and for Burra it was almost a decade ago that the local paper shop was about to shut its doors for the last time.
That was until Mt Bryan Mum of four, Jodie Quinn, popped by to chat to the owner about using the soon to be empty store as a pop-up space for her small home-based business, Pretty Rustic.
But when Jodie walked out of the old newsagency, which was due to close that very weekend, she’d not only secured a space to show her vintage wares, she was now the quaint little mining town’s newsagent! With the full support of her family, from her Mum helping take care of her young children and her Dad working behind the counter, to her farming husband John doing the early morning paper round that Jodie claims she wasn’t aware of when she signed the deal, That Country Store has now become a vibrant one-stop-shop in Burra’s Market Square.
Initially, she also ran an in-store ANZ outlet, and quickly worked towards getting some quality glossy magazines on the shelves for locals. Wanting to make it enticing and convenient for people to shop local, a range of toys and stunning giftware began to fill the store. Covid came and went, and that was a tricky time for anyone in business. But when the Barrier Highway, between Burra and Broken Hill began to move with tourists again, and when Jodie took a leap and introduced a range of quality, affordable clothing to the offering, That Country Store really became hard to go past.
Stocking popular Australian fashion labels like Elm, Foxwood, Betty Basics and Eb & Ive, there’s so many reasons to call into this bustling little store. For locals, its close to a five-hour round trip to Adelaide when you factor in the never-ending roadworks, so to be able to buy a gift from an equally great range of Australian stockists, and an outfit for the party, shopping locally is a no-brainer.
And for visitors who underestimate Burra’s Winter chill, being able to grab a jumper, jacket or scarf to keep them warm while they’re sight seeing is a bonus.
As 10 years nears as the town’s newsagent, come clothing retailer and gift-giving expert, Jodie, who’s clearly got a spark for creative ideas and customer service, has decided to hand over the baton and seek something new. Although she doesn’t know what that is yet, she’s put That Country Store on the market, hoping that another door will open for her, and the bright little store she has created will also remain open.
Excited about what the future holds, but reluctant to let her pride and joy go, she says That Country Store has been a great labour of love and a wonderful social space for the past decade.
“It’s fun and vibrant and has been wonderful for our family. So much happens here,” she said.
For the past five years Jodie has been one of the driving forces behind the Burra Market – an idea which took off after her son and his friends held a market fundraiser and did some busking in the street to raise money for a school trip. Now held several times a year, the popular market attracts makers and creators from around the region, igniting a vibrant atmosphere with money raised going back into the community.
That Country Store remains open for business and bursting with beautiful things. But if you or someone you know would like to know more about becoming the town’s next newsagent and retail therapist, click here for more details.
