JJ’s Bargain Centre to close after 47 years

Published 11:00am 6 December 2023

A well-known and loved fabric store in Redcliffe is closing its doors after 47 years.

JJ’s Bargain Centre has been selling a wide range of fabrics and haberdashery at discount prices for four decades, but the owners say the time has come to close its doors on December 16.

The family-owned business first opened on January 2, 1976, at Violet St, Redcliffe, when Ken Jarvis was asked by a friend if he wanted the store after a previous offer fell through.

Ken took the offer to his wife June, and the rest is history.

June says it took a while for them to get started, but the Redcliffe community was incredibly supportive from the beginning.

“The shop was a bit slow at first, and to get extra cash, Ken would load up our Holden Ute with cartons of toilet paper and drive around to all the service stations to sell them at $10 for 24, until they were all sold,” June says.

“The people of Redcliffe were very supportive, and the shop was always busy, especially on Saturdays and Exhibition Wednesday.

“Our stock quickly grew in variety with anything from dog food, sardines, fabric, toys, sewing machines, wallpaper and even vinyl floor covering.”

After three years, JJ’s Bargain Centre moved to Sutton St, expanding the range even further.

“We eventually purchased the building (at Sutton St) when the owners all agreed to sell in 1991,” June says.

“We added a second storey, mainly to house excess stock. To get stock at bargain prices, we had to purchase everything so there was always excess.”

See the historic photos below (click through)

In recent years, trade has dropped off, but the Jarvis family’s passion for servicing the Redcliffe community remained.

“These last few years have been much quieter, but it never bothered us as Ken loved all the haggling,” June says.

“Ken has worked tirelessly these last 50 years to give his family a great life and the time has now come for him to relax a bit.

“The people of Redcliffe have mentioned many times how much they appreciate us being here for them to be able to get great bargains and browse around as you never know what you might find, especially in the earlier years of widely varied stock.

“We thank every one of those customers and certainly our extremely patient and supportive staff over the almost 48 years of this business.

“God bless all of you and thank you Redcliffe for being the place to build our lives… we wish everyone a very happy Christmas, God’s blessings and a great 2024.”

JJ’s Bargain Centre is at 114 Sutton St and is offering 50-75 percent off all stock until December 16.