Smales says thank you for 22 years of support

The Smales Jewellers Bunbury branch closes today and the owners have reflected on more than two decades of service in the South West. The announcement was made earlier this year as owners Tony and Trish Smales decided it was time to retire, after opening the Bunbury business in the early 2000s. They have been an integral part of the Bunbury CBD for more than 20 years, as well as having established stores in Subiaco after the flagship store in Kalgoorlie was opened in 1937. Mr Smales said that he and his wife have been overwhelmed by the messages from locals. “We, both of us, are absolutely floored,” he said. “We have people coming in to the Bunbury store not to buy anything, but just to come in and wish us a great retirement, it’s been astonishing.” Mr Smales reflected on what owning a business in an industry as sentimental as a jewellers has meant through the decades. “We had a beautiful Italian lady come in to the Bunbury store, she told us that she lived her whole life in Kalgoorlie and then retired to Bunbury in her seventies,” he said. “She told us she bought her engagement ring and her wedding rings from Smales in Kalgoorlie, and then both her children ‘bought their rings in your store, and now I’m bringing in my grandchildren to buy their engagement rings’. “It’s so lovely to hear all these stories, it’s hard to believe we’ve had that many lovely comments made to us.” Mr Smales said the decision to move on from the business and focus on retirement came only recently. “It only crossed our minds about a year ago . . .. we’re a bit older, I’m 63 and I’ve been doing this for 34 years, six days a week,” he said. “We’re looking forward to it, we’ve got a caravan and we’re ready to do a bit of travelling. It’s exciting being able to travel for ourselves instead of on business trips like we’ve done before.” Mr Smales said he and his family are very grateful for their loyal customers over the years. “We really want to thank our beautiful customers and all the people who have sent us really nice wishes,” he said. “Thanks to everyone that supported us over the years, it’s been great.” Smales will keep the Bunbury workshop open for repairs and cleaning, while the Subiaco store will remain open.