A 31-YEAR chapter of family business history in Mildura is coming to a close at the end of the month, when the Surf Crew shop in Mildura Central shuts for good.
It will mark the departure of Helen and Glenn Orchard, and their daughters Maddie and Holly, as they move to Melbourne for a new beginning.
The Surf Crew shop in Langtree Mall will remain open and will continue the Surf Crew name, as it has different owners.
Maddie Orchard said the entirely local brand was established in 1993 when her parents opened the first Surf Crew shopfront in Eighth Street.
“It was the old little rustic store that had the boat as the counter, there were fish tanks with the turtles, it was so iconic, that first store,” she said.
She said her parents then opened a Surf Crew in Langtree Mall, as well as founding Planet X and Sunglass City, all of which they sold.
They also opened and ran the Surf Crew in Mildura Central, which will finalise trade on February 29.
“Over the 31 years of business, Helen and Glenn have employed at least over 50 local staff,” Ms Orchard said.
“Three of those staff that they actually employed have gone on to owning their own stores or taking over another store.
“Retail has changed, it’s nothing like it used to be and it’s time to pass the baton on to someone else.
“Letting go of Surf Crew feels like a loss in our family. It’s sad but exciting.”
