Turning 45

Default  •  Wed 5 Jul 2023

WE ARE 45 YEARS OLD AND CELEBRATING EVERY SECOND OF IT!

1978 … The year Oliva Newton John first belted out ‘You’re the One that I Want’; the inaugural Sydney Mardi Gras was held, and your favourite hardware store, Barrow & Bench, opened its doors for the very first time.

Our first sale - a screwdriver for .95c (yes, we still have the $1 note it was purchased with)! In 1978 Mission Brown paint was available premixed by Dulux at just $16.75 a can, and a large range of technical books “for the handyman” could be found on the shelves. These days a similar screwdriver is likely to set you back about $11, we no longer sell paint pre-mixed to Mission Brown, and are known for the excellent service of our experienced staff, with homeowners more likely to ‘google’ than to purchase technical books.

Barrow & Bench was established by Paul’s parents, Ian and Marj, under the premise of “stocking everything for the handyman and the gardener”, and 45 years later that’s pretty much still how we roll. In 2013 the store transitioned to the second generation (that would be us, Paul and Amanda), with the third generation found walking the aisles stocking shelves and serving you from time to time, and the store itself still selling, after all these years, the very best of home and garden goods we can find.
While many things have changed in 45 years, one thing has remained the same, and that is a focus on service, on quality products and on convenience. It’s been our absolute privilege to assist you during this time; to help you solve your home and garden dilemmas as well as assist in bringing your backyard dreams to reality. While many of you have been shopping with us for over 4 decades, others walked through the doors for the very first time in 2023. Regardless of when you first popped in, we want to say how very much we appreciate your business and to thank you for shopping local.

Keep your eyes peeled for our special birthday event which will be held early August … we have some fabulous things planned including a garden talk by our friend and avid gardener Steve, a visit from Kafethaki and Adelaide’s favourite donut van, OMG Decadent Donuts Adelaide City. The Second in Charge, Kenny, and his trusty sidekick Lola, will be making you all feel welcome as part of the celebration.

We promise it will be a great day, and one not to be missed!