Parsons Rochester has been operating for over nine years under the ownership of Belinda Gordon and her husband, Justin, who took over the store in September 2016.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Parsons Rochester has been serving the community for over nine years under the ownership of Belinda Gordon and her husband, Justin.
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“We took over ownership of Parsons Rochester in September 2016, so we have clocked over nine years now,” Mrs Gordon said.
“We are the third owner of the store.”
The business has evolved significantly since its origins.
“It started with the Parsons family, and it was originally a draper’s and grocer’s,” Mrs Gordon said.
“Then over the years, it has certainly developed and grown more and little things have dropped off and other things have become stronger.”
Mrs Gordon worked for the previous owner, Gail Metcalf, for eight years before purchasing the store.
“When she retired 10 years ago, we approached her about buying it, but before she retired, she divided the store into two smaller ones, which meant that I could manage it on my own,” she said.
Parsons Rochester has evolved to focus primarily on fashion and accessories, including ladies’ and men’s wear, school uniforms, Manchester, wool and a small amount of haberdashery.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The store now focuses primarily on fashion and accessories.
“We concentrate mainly on ladies’ and men’s wear,” Mrs Gordon said.
“We do school uniforms. We have Manchester, we have wool and a very small amount of haberdashery. Ladies’ wear and accessories are probably our biggest selling items.”
Summer merchandise features vibrant colours and natural fabrics.
“Summer is always very colourful. Lots of natural fibres, cottons, linens, rayons and viscose is a nice fabric as well,” Mrs Gordon said.
“Dresses are huge this summer, we have lots and lots of summer dresses in varying shapes and sizes.”
The business draws customers from across the region.
“I get a lot of locals and what I call my district locals that come to shop with us,” Mrs Gordon said.
“I get a lot of Echuca people, a lot of Kyabram, people out of Stanhope, Tatura, Bendigo, Shepparton.
“I had a couple in from Geelong who stopped here before, on their way up to Echuca.
“The husband’s words specifically were ‘My wife said, we have to get to that shop in Rochester between lunchtime and five, because I need to have time to have a good wander in there and shop.’
“The excuse was for her to shop, but he also went home with a bag full.”
Parsons Rochester is located at 41 Moore St, open from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5pm and Saturday from 9.30am to noon, phone 5484 1699.
Summer merchandise at Parsons Rochester features vibrant colours and natural fabrics such as cottons, linens, rayons and viscose, with a wide range of summer dresses available in varying shapes and sizes.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
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