General News
23 December, 2022
Turners to close its doors
DECIDING to retire is never easy, but after 86 years in the industry and three generations at the helm of Turners Home Appliances, it’s an end of an era for Gary and Gillian Turner.
DECIDING to retire is never easy, but after 86 years in the industry and three generations at the helm of Turners Home Appliances, it’s an end of an era for Gary and Gillian Turner.
Turners has proudly serviced the Cairns area for over eight decades, and their prices have always been more than competitive to the bigger guys.
Still, their product knowledge and customer service set them apart and kept them going strong.
Their history runs deep in Far North Queensland. It was Sydney Hugh Turner, along with his silent partner Texan Robert Lee Hearn, who first opened a store in Mossman in 1936 selling bicycles and gramophone sets.
After their roaring success, they opened a store in Cairns called Hearn and Turner.
Hearn left Cairns for Brisbane after two years, and the business was renamed Sydney H Turner. During the 1950s and 1960s, Syd had the franchise for STC Appliances and opened stores all over North Queensland from Townsville to Atherton.
Evidently, business acumen is a family trait. Sydney’s son Gary took over the business in 1978, and then following in his father’s footsteps, Brendan took over the management of the company in 2012.
Turners Operations Manager Brendan Turner commented that throughout the 86 years, they had developed a very loyal customer base and made many memories while watching the city grow.
“It’s a bittersweet moment for the family. The business has passed through three generations which is rare and a true testament to the family’s dedication to offering the Cairns community a trusted local supplier,” Mr Turner said.
“Mum and Dad have taken the opportunity to retire and enjoy life together. They have mixed emotions, but we know that all good things must come to an end.
“We want to thank all our loyal customers for their support and trust in our family for 86 years, some of whom have been shopping with us for four generations.
“We also wish to thank our wonderful staff that have been the face of the business and always go the extra mile to ensure customers find exactly what they are looking for, in particular, Anthony Davies, who has worked for the family for 37 years,” he said.
Turners Operations Manager Brendan Turner said it might be the end of an era for his parents, but as for him, he is looking forward to the possibility of a new career path.
Turners aims to close its doors by January 31 but will remain open while stock lasts.
