Construction of the Bunnings store at the back of the Geraldton Homemaker Centre in WA is progressing at a pace that it is expected to open in mid-2027. The fully enclosed store will have a 16,300sqm footprint which is larger than the existing one. The new store will also include 335 car parking spaces - 39 more than at Wonthella.
The Mitre 10 store in Brighton, a coastal suburb of Adelaide (SA) situated between Seacliff and Glenelg, will shut permanently on 31 July, 2026. A company spokesman confirmed to the Messenger - Eastern Courier that the closure is a result of family circumstances. All operations and business services will merge into the Mitre 10 branch in Gawler South, located in the city's north.
As part of the makeover for its tradies loyalty scheme, Bunnings is launching PowerPass Pro Rewards, a multi-tiered program aimed at tradies, builders and SMEs across Australia and New Zealand. The revamped loyalty program will also see a tie-up with Qantas allowing members to earn points. It builds on the popularity of PowerPass first launched in 2011 and which has more than 1.1 million members.
A Bunnings Warehouse at Bundamba, a suburb in the City of Ipswich in Queensland has sold for in excess of $50 million. It marks the first Bunnings transaction to complete in 2026. The property was sold on behalf of MPG Funds Management by JLL and CBRE to a Melbourne-based private investor whose identity has not been disclosed.
Designed for Australian worksites and trade environments, the new CARVE safety eyewear line is built for work and play, combining compliant eye protection with the style and comfort to be worn on and off the jobsite. The safety range is made from shatterproof, high-grade polycarbonate frames and lenses designed to meet Australian and New Zealand safety standards.
Many hardware retailers have shifted focus to trade sales. The reality is, though, that DIY sales aren't just viable, they can be a virtual bonanza if handled right. Duggan's Mooloolah Valley Mitre 10 is an example of what's possible. With a little retail magic courtesy of Nick Duggan's extensive experience in supermarket retail, the store is experiencing high growth - right in the middle of a house construction downturn.
The 2026 New England awards crowned Tenterfield Hardware & Gardens the best hardware store in the region. Managing director Simon McConville told HardwareNews how he became involved in the business. Simon explains the stock offering is very diverse, much more diverse than a large majority of hardware stores. The store is known for its garden centre and nursery and singled out for praise by customers.
