Kepler Street Ponting Bros hardware store takes on Mitre 10 franchise

Workers will use a dozen 15-litre paint drums to transform the exterior of Ponting Bros Home Timber and Hardware on Kepler Street to a signature-blue Mitre 10 in coming weeks.

Independent Hardware Group owns both of the brand names and Ponting Bros operation manager Brendan Raven said the change would entice more shoppers into the Warrnambool store, which has also increased its stock range.

"I think Mitre 10 is the stronger brand out of two the with the public perception," Mr Raven said. "Customers are pleased to see the Mitre 10 brand back in town."

Warrnambool's former Calco Mitre 10 closed in the early 2000s. The Ponting Bros hardware store, which is now owned by third generation family members, has traded at the Kepler Street site for nearly a century.

Mr Raven said while the approximately 4000 square metre store would remain the same, the layout would change to allow it to hold more stock.

"It had been many years since Pontings had made changes to their retail part of the business and it was time for an upgrade," he said. "The paint department has grown three times the size in the new layout."

Mr Raven said despite reports of a building downturn statewide, the Warrnambool business had seen "year-on-year growth" and expected to grow its 47 staff. "We are defying a lot of the averages you hear in the city," he said.

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