On 30th March 2022, the owners of Nextra St Ives Village Newsagency, nestled within the St Ives Village Shopping Centre, celebrated 30 years in business!
Back in 1992 Bill Scott purchased St Ives Village Newsagency, following a career as a partner in a large chartered accountancy firm and a director of a property development group.
The shop was then located opposite Justin’s Cafe (now Cafe JJ) and painted bright pink!
In 1997 the business was rebranded under the “Nextra” banner and relocated to the then “new” (western) end of the shopping centre where it remains. It has also undergone a few renovations over the years.
The newsagency has been run by Bill the entire time, but his daughters Emma and Karen (both of whom have business qualifications) now also manage the shop together whilst raising a young family each.
“During this time, many wonderful staff have come and gone,” said Emma, “but the current team still includes Nancy, who has worked for us for the entire 30 years and is well loved by the St Ives community, and Anthony who has been with us for half that time.
“Our newsagency business has certainly seen plenty of changes over the years and we have adjusted our product range and services offered accordingly.
“We love conversing with our customers every day, many of them regulars we know by name, and enjoy hearing chuckling in the aisles when shoppers are selecting a funny greeting card.”
The Newsagency certainly has one of the best selections of cards on the North Shore along with wrap, stationery, magazines, newspapers, kids’ books, printer ink, party supplies as well as plenty of art and craft goodies.
“Every day we have people marvelling at the variety of products sold in our store,” Emma continued, “and we are always happy to help them with finding what they need.”
The business offers a fabulous assortment of gifts including candles, diffusers, homewares, photo frames, puzzles, tea, glassware, toys and games. The store also provides a printing and copying service and Bill and Emma are both JPs who are happy to help out the local community when they can.
“Those that partake in lotto have done well over the years,” Emma revealed, “with three first division wins over Saturday Lotto and Oz Lotto, as well as a number of first prizes in Lucky Lotteries and Instant Scratch-Its.”
The Scott family has always been a great supporter of the community, whether through prize donations for school and sporting club fundraisers, gift vouchers for the local art society exhibitions, or running free school holiday activities at St Ives Shopping Village.
Emma and Karen, along with their suppliers, have hosted many popular art and craft sessions for children and adults, and relish conversing with customers of all ages.
“To still be running a successful business after 30 years is a massive achievement and one of which we are very proud,” Emma said. “We wish to thank our current team of amazing staff, along with the many that have served our customers with a smile over the years. We look forward to celebrating our 30-year milestone with many customers, suppliers and staff.”
Nextra St Ives Village Newsagency
Level 1, Shop 23, St Ives Village Shopping Centre
Contact: Emma Thurlow
Ph: 9449 7565 or 0408 029 902
Email: nextrastives@optusnet.com.au