What A Bargain!:

23/03/2020 to October 2020

As a self-proclaimed “Mostly $2 Discount Variety Store”, What A Bargain!! at 377 Sydney Road Brunswick sells everything from party goods to pet toys, arts and crafts supplies, home decorations, kitchenware, hardware, plastic flowers, cleaning products, socks and belts, candles, essential oils, greeting cards, watches, paint, perfume, umbrellas, hula hoops, and clothes. The shop has been a staple of Sydney Road for many years now. “It’s very convenient. We’re a convenience store. You can get everything here for normal life needs, for a good price,” says Lin, an employee who now works at the shop most Thursdays.

The business was forced to close during Melbourne’s lockdown periods. When lockdown began, the owners wrote their phone number and placed it in the front window for people to order products through a click and collect system, but it wasn’t convenient for customers. “We get most of our business from people walking past,” says Lin. “If people come in and browse, they will find things they want to buy, but with only phone orders, it’s very limited. We have so many products that it’s difficult to do anything online.” The best selling products were disposable and reusable masks.

During the lockdown the owners still had to pay rent, but with no income and no rent reduction this proved difficult. The small business with three staff found it tough. Party supplies have always been an all-time favoured purchase, but recently following the pandemic, Lin has noticed a change in what people like to buy. “Painting stuff, and also decorations for the home, candles and essential oils are more popular now. When people stay home longer, they try to make the most of their time and make it a nice place to be.”

Website: https://sydneyroad.com.au/trader/what-a-bargain/

Location: 377 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Phone: 03) 9388 2869

Photos and interview by Anne Moffat