Retail giant Bunnings opens its doors in Narrabri

The doors have opened on Narrabri’s biggest-ever single retail development.

On Saturday, Bunnings Narrabri launched its new $15 million store, creating 40 new jobs.

Bunnings is open for business now but will host a celebratory grand opening on October 15 and 16.

Customers and the curious were waiting for the doors to open on Saturday morning, and many hundreds passed through on the first day.

It is anticipated Bunnings will draw shoppers from a wide area of the north west.

The siting of the store is a further affirmation of Narrabri’s status as a regional centre.

The store, on the corner of Saleyards Lane and the Newell Highway, covers more than 5000 square metres, including a main retail area, nursery, paint department and tool shop, kitchen range and displays, a two-lane timber drive through and trade desk to service local trade customers, with more than 80 customer car parks.

Bunnings store manager, Caroline Wells, said the team had been ‘working flat out’ over the last few weeks to get the store ready for the first trading day.

“We’ll be able to service locals who may have previously travelled to Bunnings stores in nearby towns,” Ms Wells said.

“Now customers can grab everything they need off the Bunnings shelves right here in Narrabri.”

Among the team are a number of skilled experts in areas such as timber, tools, paint, kitchens, plumbing, garden and outdoor living, who will be on hand to provide local residents with expert advice for all their DIY and project needs, a Bunnings spokesperson said.

As part of the store opening celebrations, the team has provided donations to local schools in the area, including Narrabri Public School and Wee Waa Public School.

“Our team recently visited Narrabri Public School to donate flower beds, soil, vegetable seeds, and an orange tree to the Indigenous coordinator and Elder Aunty Pattie Lettice, which will be used to teach the children the process of growing vegetables and eating healthy,” said Ms Wells.

“We also made a similar donation to Wee Waa Public School and helped them build and plant the garden beds.

“We really enjoy getting out into the community, and we look forward to providing more assistance to local community groups in the future.”

Bunnings Narrabri will also have a range of ‘sustainability initiatives’ which will reduce the store’s environmental impact, such as LED lighting throughout, on-site water reuse and a 99kw solar PV system, the Bunnings spokesperson said.