General Store shuts shop

•   The Derby General Store closed its doors abruptly with no notice to the staff or community. 

By Taylor Clyne,
March 02, 2022

Derby’s only general store has abruptly closed its doors on the evening of February 16 without any notice to the community, staff or landlord.

The business was being leased by Hobart’s Kim Backhouse since October 8, 2021.

It understood she broke the lease with landlord John Breakey, who collectively owns the Weldborough Hotel, Branxholm Hotel, the Derby General Store and a few other businesses along the East-Coast.

Leaving just a small notice on the door to advise patrons, staff and Derby Post Office owners who co-lease the space the following day.

The notice and following social media post explained that the decision was due to ‘challenging times beyond their control’ and thanked the community for their support.

Post Office owners Ian and Julie Farley said they were really shocked to see it close so quickly and felt for the staff members and three juniors who lost their jobs overnight.  

“It’s massively disappointing, there has been no concern for the community with the decision and it makes it hard for us as we’re operating out of the same building so people are coming in and voicing their frustrations,” Mrs Farley said.

“Sadly, we are continuing to be abused by different people looking for store stock and fuel which we can't help with being a post office.

“We have tried to help move what stock was left for Mr Breakey and I’ve personally been bringing bread, milk and eggs to work with me from Scottsdale to keep the residents going.

“We look forward to welcoming someone new, the community and visitors need a general store operational in Derby.”

It’s understood a new tenant will be entering the building to re-open the store in the future, but there are no details released publicly on its re-opening.