Awards are piling up for Mirboo North Home Hardware

MIRBOO North Home Hardware have won the Gippsland Hardware Store of the Year for the third year in a row and the Victorian state award for the second time.

Helen Davey initially bought the store with her son-in-law seven years ago but bought him out three years ago, so is now the sole and very driven owner of the award-winning store. 

“When we first purchased the store, we were what they call a ‘one paint brush’ and now we’re a ‘five paint brush,’ which is the highest you can get,” Helen said. 

Over the past few years Helen has made major improvements within the store, including changing the range and suppliers, adding more popular items, revamping shelving and displays and streamlining labelling across all hardware and rural supplies items. 

Helen commented that trade picked up significantly during COVID when people could no longer travel outside the town to buy hardware items.

“People learned that we actually have everything that they want and in some cases at a much cheaper rate, rather than having to travel to Moe or Leongatha.”

Helen is proud of what she has achieved in a few short years and is also proud to be able to supply customers locally and employ local staff. 

“It’s been a bit of hard work but it’s also really encouraging to know that we’ve improved and that they acknowledge the fact that we’ve improved,” Helen said. 

The competition is run by Home Hardware who assess stores once a year and look at elements such as adherence to industry rules and regulations, having training modules up to date and organised, having staff who are well presented and knowledgeable, and having a store that is well presented, with clear, consistent labelling. 

Helen will represent the state of Victoria in the National Awards, which will be held on the Gold Coast in February next year.