Barham Business Celebrates Six Years

When setting out on a business venture with ‘Murray Blu’ in Barham six years ago, Lisa Frankling could never have imagined some of the challenges that she would endure along the way. Yet even during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, her business is one of the survivors through unprecedented times and it’s all thanks to the support of the local community.

Classified as an essential business avenue for the purchase of workwear, business wear and seasonal merchandise, Murray Blu has shown resilience in continuing to support the town for its ongoing needs.

Lisa, born and bred in Barham, shared more on her retail journey beyond Murray Blu, the love of the business and the return to her hometown after leaving many years ago.

“I lived in Sydney for about 12 years and worked in retail there as well. I came back to Barham to live when my children were aged two and four.  

“Now they’re all grown up and in university right now, but actually with coronavirus, they are at home.

“They all went through the education system here just like their mother did,” Lisa commented.

“I thought it was a great place to bring kids up.”

Lisa spoke on setting up business six years ago with the anniversary ticking over this week. It was something that she had always dreamed of doing. 

“It has been really great. An opportunity arose when the Morrows wanted to sell ‘Barham Discounts’ and I thought it would be a great idea to keep the business in town. I would see it otherwise as a great loss. That’s when I took it over,” Lisa said.

There were trying times getting it all sorted out but it is still coming along and still a work in progress.

During the lockdown, Murray Blu has remained open from the outset of the pandemic but now with reduced hours for trading. 

“Even during the COVID-19 virus, the local customers have been brilliant to the business. They have made it possible to stay open and trade even with the restrictions in place.

“I remained open for the whole time, but have shortened my hours from 10am – 3pm weekdays, and Saturday mornings still 9am – 12pm and they have seemed to work really well. If the lights are on and I’m still here, I’m still open, I’m very flexible.

“I’m happy to deliver to people who don’t want to come out to the shop which is another reason why I have been able to operate the way I have been.

“There was a very big slump in the month of April when everyone went into shock, not knowing what was going to happen next.  

“Deliveries were all put on hold at the time but everyone has been very understanding and it has just been great.

“It was amazing how much wool we sold also through the time and in bulk. Workwear was also in high demand. 

“I appreciate everyone’s support and through such a hard time it has been a very inspiring time to see how many people are still happy to shop locally and keep it all in the town.”

With social distancing and hand sanitising in place, the shop is ‘COVID-19 ready’ for customers.

Day-by-day the business is evolving, with new stock arriving weekly for the winter season ahead with men, women and children’s wear, nightwear, to new labels, some Australian made brands, right through to manchester and haberdashery. 

“We’ve got you covered from top to toe!” said Lisa.

“I work in the business with support from my ‘junior apprentice’, which is my mother,” Lisa laughed. “I also have my friend Sharyn to work at varying times.

“They’re my backups if I need an extra hand. It makes it easier being a sole trader.

“Even though we’ve had some bad years with drought, fire and coronavirus, I am hoping that this year is a good one.”

For Lisa, the love of her hometown is special, as she tells of living in a great community and getting out and about and enjoying river life.

“It’s great to get out and about walking along the boardwalk and along the river and see others doing the same thing seeing what’s happening out there in the community.

“For now it’s all a wait and see. But we can only hope for the best and really appreciate everybody who wants to keep the businesses going. 

I’m still here and still going after six years... Touch wood.”