Win-win Cairns property deal
IN what has been described as a win-win situation, two iconic Cairns businesses have nailed a deal that should improve the bottom line of both.
The deal brokered by John Lynch of Knight Frank involves Cairns Hardware selling its Sheridan St property near the corner of Collins Ave in Cairns North to the owners of legendary Harley-Davidson dealer, Wayne Leonard Motorcyles.
Mr Leonard said while his wife Rhonda's business had been operating on Water St for 29 years, due to the support of its many customers it was time to look at expanding its footprint in Cairns.
"Harley-Davidson Australia has always wanted us to have a stand-alone shop for their franchise," he said.
"After looking at many sites we were never quite satisfied with what was available.
"We approached Cairns Hardware about buying their Sheridan St shop off them and after three months consideration they decided it was a good move for them.
"This is a great move for us as it will give us more room in both shops to do a better job of satisfying our customers' requirements."
Mr Leonard said they hoped to renovate the building and be open for business early in the New Year, probably after the wet season was finished.
"We will have space to display the bikes better and also introduce a lot of Harley-Davidson America’s ideas on display and innovation like 'Fit Shop' and static displays," he said.
"We aim to establish a very special Harley-Davidson destination that will have the correct corporate image and service the local Harley-Davidson customers, the travellers and tourists with a very high level of satisfaction."
Cairns Hardware general manager Peter Way said the Sheridan St store site had over the years been one that many had associated with the Cairns Hardware name.
"So to contemplate selling the site was a decision not made lightly but it is the right decision for our business, the Leonard family, and the wider community," he said.
Mr Way said the sale would enable two successful local businesses to build on their offers to the Cairns marketplace.
"Cairns Hardware is looking to deliver an extended range of services under the banner T2G, 'Trade to Go' from our operations in and around Scott St," he said.
"For our business this is a relocation of our resources and all staff will be moving to our other stores to help deliver the Sheridan St motto of ensuring that our customer leaves with an exceptional experience."
Mr Lynch said putting the deal together had been a rewarding opportunity.
"A pleasing and rewarding side of the real estate is putting the right people together," he said.
"The property's irregular shape may not suit a lot of operators but its area of 1327sq m and its massive 58m frontage makes it ideal for display."
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Full throttle: Rhonda and Wayne Leonard seal their Sheridan St deal with Peter Way of Cairns Hardware.

















