Norco’s CEO has confirmed that the Norco AgriSolutions Armidale store on Mann St, formerly Norco Rural, closed its doors to the public for the final time on May 2nd.
In a statement to the New England Times, Norco’s CEO, Michael Hampson, said the decision was a tough one. However, following a comprehensive review of market conditions and the stores’ overall performance compared to other locations, the company made the call to close it.
“Norco AgriSolutions can confirm it will close its Armidale store following a comprehensive store portfolio review, which included an evaluation of current market conditions and individual store performance,” he said.
“The store will cease business May 2, 2024 at 5.30pm.”
Norco AgriSolutions has been operating since 1948 and has 27 stores remaining across NSW and Queensland, offering all manner of farming and gardening supplies.
The Armidale store has been listed online as trading for at least the last 76 years. It isn’t known publicly how many employees will be affected by the closure.
At the moment, Mr Hampson said all permanent employees from the Armidale store will have work for the foreseeable future, if they desire it. For the rest of the team, the non-permanent employees, there is work at least until the end of the month.
“All permanent employees have been offered redeployment within the business, while all team members will remain employed up until 25 May, 2024 to finalise the transition,” he said.
With Norco AgriSolutions Armidale closing, the next closest store for people in that area of New England is in Glen Innes on Lang St. There is also a store at Tenterfield on Rouse St.
Mr Hampson said it’s still business as usual for the other New England AgriSolutions stores and wider company.
“Norco AgriSolutions can and will continue to offer good value, convenient and trusted services across its 27 outlets,” he said.
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