Wanganui business bites

Willacy on his bike
Allan Willacy is on his bike, off in search of a fresh start. The "closing down" signs have been up at his Avanti bike shop on Wilson St for a while now and when the stock is gone, Mr Willacy will be, too. He has been selling bicycles for the past 16 years, he also ran the Hedgehog shop in Springvale and he reckons it was time for a new challenge. Mr Willacy thanks all his customers for their support.
New property player

So the pink signs have caught your attention ... They belong to Monty's, the latest player on Wanganui's property scene. The two-strong team consists of Bill Hume and Chrissy Chambers (ex-Remax). Monty's, which also has representatives in Foxton and Bulls, was set up by Monty Bakewall, who plumped for pink after being impressed by the effect the colour gave in another advertisement.
Sons join at Garmac
Colin Williamson is pleased to have his two sons on board at Garmac Engineering. The business has been doing general engineering work in Wanganui's Heads Rd for decades. Mr Williamson's partner Alan McDonald retired on April 1 and Trent and Jamie Williamson have stepped into his place. They would be taking it in turns to manage the business and work on the floor and were keen to be involved. Their father said he had a few more years to enjoy their company and teach them the ropes before he retires himself.
TR Custom Colours opens
After two years in the United Kingdom Tony Rees and partner Chae Randell have returned to Wanganui to start their own business. TR Custom Colours opened in Barrack St last week. Mr Rees said it would do any kind of car painting, from touch-ups to full resprays. He'll do the painting, while Ms Randell handles the administration. He worked for Steve Taylor at Steve Taylor Panel & Paint for six years, and figures there's a gap in the market now that his former boss has closed down.
Bamboo on the Quay
New in Taupo Quay is a shop selling exotic imported goods and handmade soaps and body products. Bamboo on the Quay opened last week, with hours from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday, and a six-month lease on the shop front that used to house hair-dressers Art & Grace. The co-owners of the new enterprise are Carolyn Blanchard, who imports cane and basketware from Vietnam, Amy Sewell, who makes the body products, and Trish Touzel, who imports craft items, handbags, jerseys and toys.
Bakery in Aramoho
The Gaslight Bakery is taking its wares to Aramoho. Starting next week its pies, savouries, slices and sandwiches will be sold from the former petrol station at 191 Somme Parade, co-owner Chris Dyde said. The offshoot will be run by his wife Mairead, and two other staff members. The Dydes have owned the Gaslight for three years, but he said the business was decades old and had operated from various places around town. It has six staff in Victoria Ave, and sells baking wholesale as well as from its shop.