An opportunity to “breathe new life” into Mitcham? Locals say farewell to Coles

Around 200 loyal customers gathered at Coles Mitcham on Friday, June 6, as the store shut its doors for the last time after more than 50 years in the community.

The closure of the supermarket, as well as the adjoining Liquorland store located in Britannia Mall, comes with the expiry of its lease. 

Whitehorse councillor Ben Stennett organised the event for people to informally farewell staff members and acknowledge them for their work over the years.

“I can see the very heartfelt and emotional reaction of the staff and the people of Mitcham that are here to support them as well,” he told the Eastern Melburnian.

The late Edgar Coles purchased the land for Coles Mitcham from the former Nunawading Council for $500,000 in the 1960s. 

North-Eastern Metropolitan MP Nick McGowan said he grew up with the Coles New World brand.

“Back in 1968, the old Mitcham State School was demolished to make way for Coles Mitcham as we know it today,” he said.

With Woolworths confirming it will open a new store at the Mitcham site, McGowan said he was keen to see how the chain would “capitalise on its unique and prominent location and status as anchor tenant.”

 “It is a really important – even exciting – opportunity to refresh not just the supermarket and associated retail spaces but to breathe new life in Britannia Mall and the Mitcham Road shops,” he said.

 “I will celebrate what we have had and those who have made it an indelible part of our history, while celebrating those who are about to write the next chapter in our rich local community and the tapestry that is our changing retail landscape in a modern age.”

Sharon Partridge, who has lived in Mitcham for 45 years, said it was “important” to have a supermarket in the area.

“We’re a community of community people and like-mindedness,” she said. 

Councillor Stennett said with another supermarket chain moving into the site, there was also “an opportunity for the site longer term”.

“Council owns the carpark next door and it might be better longer term to consider this a development site and perhaps do something similar to a mixed-use development like with Blackburn North Shopping Centre,” he said.

“The message I’d like to give locals is to really support the local traders that are here and make your presence known, even if there’s no Coles here.”