Door shuts on Big White era

PROUD HISTORY: Big White owner Jason White is closing the business after 93 years of trading.

David Nielsen

ONE of Ipswich's oldest businesses has become the latest victim of tough economic times.

Big White Furniture owner Jason White has announced plans to close the 93-year-old family operation in a month's time - ending a dynasty that began with his great-grandfather John.

While the news may come as a surprise to many of the shop's loyal customers, Mr White said the closure had been a long time coming.

He said a combination of increased competition, decreased foot traffic in the CBD and the closure of neighbouring electrical business Hoey and Ploetz had contributed to his financial decision.

"I thought it was going to happen 12 months ago but the floods actually kicked us along a bit for a while," Mr White said.

"Sales have been dwindling for the last couple of years. We've reached that point where we've either got to expand and offer more of a range, or get out, and we can't handle getting bigger.

"To keep going in today's climate you've got to have a bigger range and bigger choice and it would mean working seven days a week, which takes away the family feel to it, because I can't be here seven days a week."

Three generations of John Whites owned and operated the store until Jason took over recently.

Jason has worked at the store for the last 22 years but took on more responsibility after his father was involved in a car accident about six years ago.

"There's probably more competition now than when we first started - back then it was us and RT Edwards in town and A-Mart at Oxley.

"My customer base has always been the older generation - I don't get many of the 20-somethings buying their first house, I get more of the 50-somethings who are on their second and third house, who bought their first lot of furniture here 30 years ago - which they are always quite proud to tell you about," he said.