Ararat Dimmeys' manager Lisa Townsend has spoken of her shock as the company announced its decision to close the store earlier this week.
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Ms Townsend said her biggest fear was future employment for her and other team members in Ararat.
"I am unsure at this stage if there is an opportunity for work in the area," she said.
"There will be a number of us facing the same predicament, when the shop is officially closed, with the same skill set.
"I am going to miss a lot of people and customers."
Ms Townsend said the announcement came as a "massive shock".
"At first I took it very personally," she said.
"I do realise the company has to do what it needs, but this is will impact the town because we are the only shop like it here."
After working through the ranks, Ms Townsend was appointed store manager in March 2018.
"I've never been through anything like this before," she said.
"All of the staff are very disappointed and I now am turning my attention to them and supporting them in the best way I can.
"Luckily for me, the staff are trying to think positive and aren't taking out any frustrations on me or the company and are happy to serve our customers."
Moving forward, Mrs Townsend said would look to management to guide her on timelines for the store closure.
"Not having an exact end date is frustrating," she said.
"Hopefully we know more information soon and I will work through the processes put in place by upper-management."
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