After 117 years of being owned by the George family, the iconic Georges Workwear and Country Outfitters is about to change hands, with the family announcing they have placed the business on the market.
The iconic business was first established in 1899 by Elien George, and three generations later, the business is managed by his grand-daughter Catherine George.
“It will be very difficult for me personally, to end a family tradition and life long relationship with a business which has long been established as a Central Queensland icon with such a strong following," Catherine said.
"We are now serving a great many fourth and fifth generation customers, so those families have been supporting us for over 100 years.
"The business that has been an integral part of the lives of generations of the George family, since it was first established by my grandfather.
"Regrettably, the interests and ambitions of our next generation are in other areas, so it is time to give someone else the opportunity to write the future chapters of this unique business.”
Initially Elien George started as a hawker and a couple of pack horses to service the needs of the region.
Aged just 20 years Elien organised the building of a four wheeled wagonette from Messrs Nelson & Co of Rockhampton, which drawn by five horses.
The old wagonette was eventually replaced by a 1929 Chev, which is still parked today at George's premises in William Street, Rockhampton.
Elien’s youngest son Alec, set up a branch of the business, on the site of the present store, in 1948.
Alex continued to trade in the tradition of his father and became very much a character in his own right because of his unique sales abilities.
Alex introduced a wide range of work wear and other merchandise including the best range of Akubra Hats available, to wood stoves and copper boilers.
The business has evolved over time and is a thriving, well respected clothing and footwear retail operation
It is one of Queensland’s major stockists of RM Williams, Akubras plus many other iconic Australian brands.
And over time Georges has continued as a family owned and operated by Alec’s daughter Catherine, together with the rest of the Georges team, has continued to provide excellent customer service and quality merchandise to a diverse and far flung customer base.
Mark Molloy, Professionals Livingstone & Molloy Real Estate has been appointed to handle the sale of Georges Workwear and Country Outfitters.
*Contact Mark Molloy 0418 792 557