Cowra’s central business district has received a significant boost with the opening of Betta Electrical in Kendal Street.
The Betta franchise is owned and managed by Greg Nicholls, a former employee of Martins Bi-Rite Electrical which occupied the site up until the passing of Keith Martin in May last year.
Mr Martin’s passing and the closure of the iconic store on the corner of Kendal and Macquarie Streets left a huge dent in Cowra’s business sector.
The business had been in the Martin family for three generations
“Initially, a third party, approached me and said he was going to buy the building and asked if I‘d be interested in re-opening the old Martins store,” Mr Nicholls said of his move into business ownership.
With more than 20 years of experience in electrical sales with Martins Mr Nicholls told the building’s new owner, “I’d be more than interested in re-opening”.
His history in the business, he said, was one of the reasons why he made the decision.
“I had the backing, knew the business and I knew what the benefit was of having this business in town. It had been a big loss to the town,” Mr Nicholls said.
“I could see what was happening, the town needed the store to re-open.
“It took a while with the purchase of the building but around the end of March (this year) the building’s new owner agreed to terms and again asked if I was interested in re-opening.”
The third party isn’t involved in the franchise, “It’s me, myself”, Mr Nicholls said.
“There’s been a few teething problems but I’m getting there.
“I’m just keen to get the store up and running, It’s going to be a slow build. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a great thing for the town.
“Everyone’s been saying they’re happy for me to be back,” he said.
While electrical goods sales are back in the historic site the servicing of electrical items previously offered through Martins isn’t making a return.
“We’ve had customers ask if I’ll be doing the service side of the old Martins business, but it’s just the store, the service part has closed, Peter (Martin) has retired,” Mr Nicholls explained.
Betta will be open 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 12 noon Saturday’s.