New store owner on a roll

Marilyn Swinbourn rolls another ice cream during the  busy summer period. Photo by Gregor...
Marilyn Swinbourn rolls another ice cream during the busy summer period. Photo by Gregor Richardson.
The most popular item at the recently re-opened Naseby general store this summer is no surprise.

''Ice cream, ice cream and more ice cream'' has been the top seller among holiday makers and people in the town.

However, a lack of choose-your-own lollies may have caused rumblings among younger customers.

Operator Marilyn Swinbourn said the store had been so busy she had hardly taken a break since opening just before Christmas.

Cold drinks on hot days were big sellers alongside basic grocery items, while the sweet-toothed children had settled for the $1 and $2 lolly mixtures for sale.

Aside from being busy, she said managing the store had been a steep learning curve.

''Effectively, I started the business from scratch and had to set up all the systems. Learning to roll ice cream was a challenge but we are all much better at it now.''

Mrs Swinbourn had received a lot of positive feedback about the re-opened store.

''The locals have been supportive, with lots of positive comments about the different layout.

"A large number of holidaymakers expressed delight at having the store open again. The adults are relieved they don't have to get in their vehicle to do basic shopping.''

A stock-suggestions list in the store had to be removed after it ''got a bit out of control''.

''There were some interesting suggestions.''

Mrs Swinbourn was helped by friends to run the store during the busy period. She made special mention of Amanda Boulton-Voice, of Ranfurly.

''She is just 12 years old and is quicker on tallying up and calculating change than I am.''

Business in the store had already began slowing down, as school holidays ended. Shop clients were now crib owners and groups of adults on tours.

Sourcing stock for the store was a challenge.

''I shop around a lot. Like many small operators I have no serious buying power and need to be resourceful to survive.''

To ensure there was always something happening in the store during quieter periods of the year, Mrs Swinbourn had moved the Naseby Sewing Room into one-quarter of the premises.

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