End of an era for Hazard

It might be the end of an era for Hazard but you don’t need to worry, the local shop isn’t going anywhere.

Current owners Nikki Stokes and Catherine Boys have owned the local clothing and shoe store for close to 16 years and they will be handing the shop over to a new owner today.

The pair purchased a small boutique in the Stirling Centre in February of 1999, which was then called ‘Urge’.

Now nearly 16 years on, 8 children between them, a store name change, a shop move, Nikki and Catherine say they are both ready for a change of pace.

Urge changed names to Hazard in June 1999 and in 2003 the shop moved across the arcade and as a result, Hazard had both a shoe store and a clothes store. 

If that wasn’t enough, Nikki and Catherine opened another store, Fiori, in the Northgate Shopping Centre in 2005.

And in 2012, Hazard move to the new big super store in the Stirling Centre.

They will keep ownership of Fiori but will have their last day at Hazard today.

The shop will be in the capable hands of current employee Renee Facchini.

The 19-year-old has worked for Hazard for over 2 years and is excited to take on the new role.

“I’m very excited but I’ve got very big shoes to fill,” Renee said.

 “Hazard is very well known here in Geraldton and I really want to continue its great reputation.” 

Renee will work along side long-term employees, 2 who have both worked there for over a decade.

Nikki and Catherine reflected on their time owning the store and thanked their supportive families.