IN the recesses of my mind I have memories of the old ‘Variety Store’ in Wyndham Street, Shepparton. It was where my siblings and I did our Christmas shopping and 50 cents went a long, long way. Later Big W was built at Benalla Road and a visit there was always a treat. With their ‘Red-Light Specials’ and cafeteria, the department store was a welcome addition to Shepparton.
Big W employee, Michael Ryan and I talked about the years gone by and his own personal and professional experience with Big W. Michael said, “I began working at the ‘Variety Store’ in Wyndham Street in 1971 and have been at Shepparton’s Big W since it was first built on Benalla Road.
“I’ve enjoyed working with Big W. Over the years there’ve been some really good managers and our current manager, Mark Harrison is a pleasure to work for. He is so family oriented and makes me feel appreciated in my workplace. I’m a lucky man, both my wife and my job keep me young.”
Big W store manager, Mark Harrison said, “At Big W we have a number of staff who have been with us for more than 20 years and a great team which makes my job a heck of a lot easier.
“Our long-term staff help by taking new team members under their wing and helping them with training and development. Michael might have been with us for a long time but he moves like a 20-year-old and his wisdom and enthusiasm he injects is incredibly valuable to us.”
