MYRTLEFORD'S Star Bazaar variety store will join the other half-dozen empty storefronts in town as 19 years of trading comes to a close. Star Bazaar owner, Mike Molyneux said the store had remained open for as long as possible, but with their current lease expiring, it's clear they now have to close their doors. "We've been in Myrtleford for 19 years and we've been here at this location for 16 years," he said. "I put it down to the overall economy, especially here in Victoria. "Rising interest rates have led to people not spending as much money as they used tod. "It seems like Myrtleford itself has changed: the western roundabout in town used to have very little activity, but now there's so much more happening in that area. "The roundabout has become more of a focal point: as a result there's less foot traffic down this end of town. "We've been packing things away all last week. "We'll just keep going until it's empty: we'll dismantle all the fittings and move everything out. "The remaining stock will be divided between the two other variety stores: Mike's Beechworth Bazaar and Star of the Elms in Bright. "Some items will all be sent to one store and other stock might be split between both." When asked what the next step is, Mr Molyneux said he would be able to focus more his other two stores in Bright and Beechworth.
