Millers has been going from strength to strength over the last 135 years.
When Millers opened its doors for the first time on July 14, 1891 its owners could not have imagined it would still be serving customers 135 years later.
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And it’s not just still open, it’s currently a finalist in the 2026 ARC National Small Business Awards.
The current owners are Sheryl Coughlin and her sister Anita Grubb. Their grandfather, Alfred Grubb bought the Benalla store back in 1932, and it has remained in the family ever since.
Ms Coughlin said being a finalist in the ARC awards is a great reflection on the store’s staff.
“We focus on what we offer and also on how we deliver it, and being a finalist in the award is a great recognition of the team at Millers,” she said.
“Our goal is to provide a carefully curated range of apparel, accessories, and homewares.
“We complement these with harder to find items, such as workwear and specialised handcraft supplies.
“This breadth meets real local needs, while our service builds genuine relationships.
The drawing of the original building on the corner of Bridge St East and Carrier St, pictured in the 1890s. It was replaced by the current building, designed by Benalla architect, Harold Hanlon, in 1933.
“Customers travel from across the region for a level of choice, advice, and products they cannot find elsewhere.”
Ms Coughlin said owning a piece of Benalla history is more akin to being a custodian than simply a business owner.
“To be the custodians of something that we think is rather special is brilliant,” she said.
“And, for a retail store to have lasted so long given the vagaries of the retail industry is something special.”
Ms Coughlin said to be recognised almost 100 years after the store came into her family makes her and her sister very proud.
“We're just so thrilled to actually be a finalist,” she said.
“Winning would be lovely, but just being nominated and making the finals, we're just completely thrilled and delighted to have that recognition.”
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 11.
Keep an eye out in the pages of the Benalla Ensign, or at www.benallaensign.com.au/ to see how Millers went in the awards.
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