As the pioneer of any kind of shopping at Cooloola Cove, LJ Hooker Franchisee Rod Robertson (pictured inset above) is looking forward to moving into the brand new shopping centre next month. The Cooloola Cove Shopping Centre has been built on the same parcel of land where, for the past 10 years, Rod’s little convenience store sold everything from chocolate bars to real estate.

Rod Sold the first groceries in the history of Cooloola Cove, back when the area was called Cooloola Village, and before there was any second stage of development known as Cooloola Sands.

“We’ve been operating here for a long time,” Rod told Gympie times. “When the opportunity came up (for LJ Hooker) to move into the centre, we knew passing traffic and people coming and going to the centre would increase business.” Meanwhile, LJ Hooker is operating across the road in a temporary sale office until shop fitters can fit out the new shop at the centre.

“We were on that site originally in a little blue hut until developers started work there. When it came time to do the car park we had to go. Everyday, Rod looks out across the road and monitors the car park to get an idea of how business is doing at the centre. “It always seems to be about three- quarters full” he said.

“The tenants are all reasonably happy. There are only three vacant shops so that’s not too bad in this sort of economic climate.”Centre Manager Janine Rogers said business had been very successful since the centre opened on July 6.

“The supermarket has been doing a good trade. They are happy with the turnover they’ve been getting,” she said.

“All retailers seem happy with it as well. The newsagent and doctors surgery reported a very busy opening week. We are pleased the centre is open and customers can utilise it.”

The $15 Million shopping centre is built on $2.7 million worth of land that will accommodate a tavern, a child care centre and a service station in the future.