ROB and Samantha Outridge have sold their Maleny IGA after 27 years, with the Season’s IGA network purchasing the family-owned grocery store.
As the Maleny community bid farewell to the outgoing owners, Maleny Chamber of Commerce president Spencer Shaw reflects on the contribution they’ve made to the local community.
“They have contributed above and beyond and been an amazing business in our community for 27 years, they have really been a major contributor to the spirit of Maleny,” said Spencer.
“After 27 years…you know we can’t hold onto them forever, but it is with a degree of sadness considering they have been such major contributors and a major part of our community.”
And on behalf of The Maleny Chamber of Commerce, Spencer shared the Commerce values their contribution “immensely”.
“They will be sadly missed from the IGA and the community.”
The husband and wife team said the sale after “27 wonderful years as custodians of Maleny IGA” was one of mixed emotions.
“We feel a great sense of gratitude to the people of Maleny and the Hinterland who have chosen to shop with us for such a long time,” they said.
“Thank you for supporting our business, the dozens of local suppliers and the hundreds of locals we have employed.
“If you were the parents of one of our juniors, thank you for entrusting your child with us – we loved employing them and we hope they found the experience rewarding.
“We are comfortable to be passing the baton to Seasons – they will bring new energy into the business and they share our community focus.”
Rob and Sam said they did not know what their life would be like without IGA but were hoping to enjoy a holiday before their next adventure.
The announcement of the sale prompted dozens of supportive posts from shoppers and the organisations that have been assisted by the Outridge’s over nearly three decades.
“This store is an absolute credit to everyone involved! It is a great experience shopping there and the range of products is awesome,” Robyn Tolhurst wrote on Facebook.
Sue Brieschke wrote: “When I came to Maleny 22 years ago and saw Rob helping people carry their groceries to their car and manning the mop and bucket to clean up spills, I knew that the IGA would be a great place to shop.”
Jan Cornfoot wrote: “All the very best to you both wherever life takes you after a long holiday. Your business has provided an amazing service to the community, one we’ve enjoyed supporting for so long too.”
Season’s IGA owns a number of stores across SEQ including Caloundra, Burpengary and Greenslopes.
The Maleny Rotary Club will be hosting drinks to farewell Rob and Sam on Thursday July 21 at the RSL.
Rob was a member of the Maleny Rotary Club in the late 1990s and was awarded a Paul Harris Medal in 2002 for his service to Maleny.
A farewell event to the Outridge’s is being hosted by the Rotary Club of Maleny. This gathering is an opportunity for non-profit community and sporting groups to acknowledge their long time support. Finger food provided, cash bar. 2 members (only) from each organisation are invited.
Registration for the event is essential for catering purposes which can be done through: TryBooking https://www.trybooking.com/CAUBD