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| Familiar team now kicking goals at the Shoreline newsagency |
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IF the new owners of the Shoreline Newsagency in Howrah look vaguely familiar to you, then you’re not wrong! Jason Barling and Gavin Cooney are very familiar faces to locals and most particularly to Clarence footy fans. Gavin, a Clarence stalwart, played more than 300 games and in nine premierships for the Roos over his illustrious 21-year career. In 2006 as well as being a player he was assistant coach at Clarence and was also coach of the under 19s. He a multiple best and fairest winner, state representative, and leading goalkicker. Gavin is also the only player ever inducted into the football hall of fame while still playing at Clarence.  Gavin Cooney ,left, and Jason Barling welcoming regular and new customers to the Shoreline Newsagency. So what makes two former football colleagues take up a small business together? Jason has been in small business all of his working life in Victoria, and Gavin has worked in administration in telecommunications and the finance industry. They both agree that owning their own business has its challenges and rewards. “We really liked the idea of a newsagency and the Shoreline has great potential,” Jason said. “I’m Eastern Shore born and bred. I am now in Tranmere - in fact my parents also still live just down the road from here where they’ve lived all my life, so it’s great to be working in the area close to where my family is,” Gavin said. Both Jason and Gavin are delighted to be welcoming old and new customers back to the newsagency. “We have a dedicated customer base who come here every day for their newspapers, Tattslotto tickets and greeting cards and gift wrap. It’s good to see the familiar, regular faces and also some new ones now as well,” Jason said. The partners took over the shop about three weeks before Christmas and admit that it was ‘pretty chaotic’ in the weeks leading into the festive season. “We had people lined up to the door getting their cards and wrap as well as Tattslotto tickets. It’s been steady through January but at least we are now having an opportunity to think about what needs to be done to ensure we continue to encourage a good customer experience,” Jason said. Gavin and his wife Janine and Jason and his wife Georgina,,who are all partners in the business, are looking to see how the shop grows over the next six months. “We want to see what our customers want before we make any changes,” Gavin said. “It’s important to get a feel for what customers want but we would like to look at new ranges and the general shop fitout over the next few months. We particularly want to increase our range of products but at the same time, want to make sure what really works with our current offerings. We know for example, that we have a fantastic card range but we will look at everything to see where we need to expand,” Jason said. So make sure you call in to see Gavin and Jason, two very familiar and friendly faces, when you’re next in the Shoreline Shopping Centre.
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