LITTLE kids once barely tall enough to see over the counter have now become staff members over the 13 years Brian and Kathy Bicknell managed Flagstone IGA.
And it is these staff members who will be retained when the Bicknell family move on to retirement on April 30 and the landlord takes ownership of the business.
Customers have flooded the Bicknell family with overwhelming support after they announced their retirement this week.
The Bicknell’s have witnessed significant change in the Flagstone area during their time in the job and formed intimate relationships with the 120 staff members they employed.
“They are special, we have been to their engagement parties, christenings and weddings. A lot of them are still in contact with us today,” Mrs Bicknell said.
Mr Bicknell said the strong community spirit was what he would miss most about leaving.
“The community has been absolutely amazing,” he said.
“When we had the floods there were generators running for six hours and people siphoned their own fuel to help keep them going.
“We had ex-staff come in while we were busy and they would be behind the counter serving to help us keep on top of everything.”
The past 13 years has presented some challenges for the business.
Mr Bicknell re-called 19 break-ins had occurred since they opened their business, including a hold up attempt by a “kid with a toy gun”.
“We’ve endured 19 break-ins, numerous blackouts, break downs and even being flooded in on a couple of occasions, but every time something has happened our customers have always been their to help and support us...” he said.
“There were only two break-ins where they took stock, most of the damage they did was quite phenomenal.
“We once needed to get the whole front end of the shop re-done because they absolutely mutilated it.”
Ms Bicknell said she would never forget the special relationships formed with customers over the years.
“A customer said we knew her when she went to school and now she is a mum and we have seen her children,” she said.
“People are congratulating us and understanding we are moving on for our own sakes. The community has been absolutely fantastic.”
The Bicknells plan to assist with the transition when the landlords take on ownership of the shop and look forward to settling down in retirement.