AFTER 38 years of service to the Mawhood family, Marj Bailey is retiring next week.
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Ms Bailey started working for Shafto Mawhood, alongside John and Ray Mawhood, casually on Saturday mornings packing shelves.
"Eventually Ray Mawhood offered me a full-time position in the hardware department and I was to look after the kitchenware stock,” she said.
"In those days there was only a little section next to the grocery department which stocked some plastic items, wool, utensils and the brooms were displayed in a garbage bin. Things have certainly changed now.
"After Mawhoods Mitre 10 moved to their own premises in Dart Street in 2008, the store expanded to include a lot more products.
"The stock now available is incredible – from bolts and nails through to whitegoods and televisions. And if we don't have it, we can order it in.
"That's the thing with modern technology; everything is just a phone call or email away. Order it one day and it's there the next."
Ms Bailey said computers have changed business practices.
"Barcodes have taken over ticketing and pricing individual items, which was very time-consuming.
"I've only been working part-time for the past couple of years. I think I was easing my way into retirement, but now I'm on the countdown.
"While I still have good health, I will be doing a bit more travelling. I will also have time for my craft and quilting. And I'm looking forward to spending more time in my garden, which I love."
Asked how many people she has worked with over the years, Ms Bailey said she had no idea.
"There would be hundreds, from the kids who worked after school and weekends before moving onto university through to long-term employees.
"I've worked for three generations of Mawhoods in Shafto, Ray and now Garry and they have been wonderful to work for.”
Kerrianne Mawhood said Ms Bailey always went above and beyond what was required.
"I'm looking forward to spending more time with family and friends," Ms Bailey said.