Beechworth couple shuts two shops after 34 years as costs soar
Mike and Janelle Molyneux are closing their two Beechworth shops after more than three decades due to rising costs and falling sales.
Mike's Bazaar and Nelly's Niche in regional Victoria will permanently shut after 34 years on Ford Street. The owners, Mike and Janelle Molyneux, blame rising living costs and two years of falling sales as discretionary spending has dried up.
Mike said: "It's gotten down to the pointy end now and we can't really go any lower." Mike's Bazaar stocked homewares and hardware for more than three decades.
Nelly's Niche, which focused on pet items, had run for 18 years. The couple merged the stores in February to cut outgoings but could not save them.
A third Molyneux business, Star Bazaar in Myrtleford, also closed in February 2025 after 19 years.
- 34
- Years in operation
- Ford Street, Beechworth
- Location
- More than 3 decades
- Mike's Bazaar lifespan
- 18 years
- Nelly's Niche lifespan
Why it mattersRising costs are forcing small retailers across regional Australia to close, shrinking the choice and character of country towns.
AustraliaBeechworth loses two long-standing local shops and their owners close before retirement age, reflecting the squeeze on discretionary retail across country Victoria.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 11 d ago
