LEETON'S Rob and Donna Hillier don't mind a challenge, but they certainly never expected to be dealing with a global pandemic while trying to establish their new venture.
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The pair opened home and lifestyle store Mr & Dac on November 25 last year, exactly one month before Christmas.
That trading period is typically the busiest of the year, so the Hilliers hit the ground running.
Their next obvious challenge was the coronavirus pandemic.
During this time, the store did have reduced hours for a couple of weeks, but it has since gone back to regular trading.
With such a spacious store right in the heart of the main street, there's plenty of room to browse while maintaining the appropriate social distancing measures.
Mr & Dac specialises in gifts, homewares, lifestyle and everything in between.
The store is also home to a unique selection of clothing that is well priced and suitable for the coming cooler months.
On many occasions, one might enter this friendly store and come out not just with a gift for a loved one, but perhaps something for themselves and a smile on their face thanks to the hospitality shown by the Hilliers.
"We're changing direction a little bit ... we're getting the clothes in which weren't here before (when the store operated under the name KYPA)," Rob said.
"We've opened the store up a little bit. We're trying to find the balance of what sells now, what else we can get in and what people want.
"We definitely welcome feedback from customers or ideas.
"We're open to all of that."
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Plenty of people also ask the pair if there is a story behind the store name and there's several explanations that all tie in with family names, particularly relating to the couple's nieces and nephews.
Donna also manages the Leeton Medical Centre, making for many busy days and nights.
"Our main message is we're open and we'd love everyone to come in and support us where they can," Donna said.
While there is no doubting Australia and the wider world could be in for some tough economic times, the best thing all Leeton shire residents can be doing is spending their hard-earned money at places such as Mr & Dac.
This not only keeps doors open, but that money itself will then be spent in town.
If you would like to find out more about Mr & Dac head in store, call 6953 8933 or see what the store is up to on its social media pages.
