Campbell Town IGA owners Debbie, Rob Thomas move on after 18 years

The family-run business has led to a love of the community for the pair, who are finding it hard to say goodbye.

For Rob, who is turning 63-years old this year, it was a discussion about approaching retirement that defined the decision to put the business up for sale.

"We were thinking that we'd put it on the market so we'd start to ease into retirement at say 65, but as soon as we started talking about it to ourselves, I mentioned it to somebody from the warehouse and they knew somebody after a business," he said.

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"They came and spoke to us and subsequently bought it - it never got to market, and it completely caught us off guard."

Rob, Debbie and their two daughters have all worked in the store during the 18 years, and have grown to be a part of the community.

"It really is such a great town and it's been a really good business, it's improved and improved every year since we've owned it," he said.

"Debbie and I and both our daughters have all worked in the shop and really grown to quite love the town and be quite involved with a lot of things."

An understatement - the pair have volunteered with the school, the SES, the local fire brigade and the Campbell Town Pool committee just to name a few.

"I don't think I can let go even when we finish, I think I'll still be involved with the emergency services, they've become a big part of my life," Rob said.

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"I'll miss the town in general - the people here are very down to earth and genuine, whether they be farmers or live in the town, they're just great people.

"It's great to see the level of people that want to stand up and do stuff for the town, the amount of people that volunteer for things in the town is just enormous when you think about it."

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A staple of the town for so long, Mr Thomas said he doesn't think there'd be many houses he hadn't visited - whether it be through his volunteer roles or delivering groceries to home.

"Those people become quite good friends, it'll be hard to let that go," he said.

"A lot of people out there need some assistance, some just need people to talk to - sometimes when you go to homes just to deliver groceries you're the only contact they have so you sit with them for a cup of tea and chat with them for a while."

Retirement will look a little different - Debbie has recently purchased Evoke Property Styling with daughter Kelsey, and Rob plans to remain volunteering with the emergency services , as well as potentially finding a part-time job in and around that time.

The pair are still running the Australia Post outlet, but will be finishing up in coming weeks, handing fully over to new owner Sameer Arora.

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