Congratulations to Johnny Lawrence on 45 years in business.
On 28th November 1978, a young and keen John Lawrence purchased the local grocery store in Canowindra from Merv and May Ewers. Fast forward 45 years and we now have the bustling IGA store, that is a meeting place for local residents, where you can always find a smiling face.
The store as we know it today has tripled in size over the years, including six extensions to the shop. It has endured a dozen floods from the Belubula River, employed over 200 local people and donated in excess of $500,000 to the local Canowindra community.
When asked how he keeps motivation going for running a business like the IGA, Johhny replied, “With great community support, family and committed staff members.”
Lawrence’s IGA currently employs 35 staff with the longest standing employee being Peter Watt, who started with Johnny 45 years ago as Store Manager.
Johnny recalls back in 1978 things were very different. “The train used to bring the deliveries and their were no forklifts back in those days so it was all unloaded by hand. We also used a hand price gun to mark the prices of every individual item.”
The amazing generosity of the IGA team is evident, with Johnny losing count of the thousands of dollars given back to the Canowindra community to sporting clubs, schools and community organisations.
Be sure to head in to Lawrence’s IGA on Saturday 28th November for the birthday celebrations, where you will certainly grab a bargain.