Something I always enjoy is documenting closures. Perhaps it's my desire to capture and immortalize time, because when I learn that a shop is closing, I automatically want to capture it before it is gone. Over time, I've documented numerous closures including Borders books, Masters hardware, and whatever small shops that come and go.
Magic Kitchens was in business for over 50 years, but was forced to close when the owner and primary cabinet maker unexpectedly passed away. This image was taken through the shop window in the last days of operation. The showroom used to be filled with display kitchens and furniture, then reduced to just this over the course of a few months.
RX0 - Hidden Magic by
Archiver, on Flickr
We know the story of Borders, and the collapse of the Borders chain meant that stores all over Australia (and America) were discounting stock and selling shop fittings. It was not uncommon to see someone loading Borders bookshelves into a trailer or wheeling them out of the front.
GRDIII - Empty shelves by
Archiver, on Flickr
Masters hardware was launched in Australia in 2009 with the intention of challenging homegrown giant Bunnings. Supermarket chain Woolworths partnered with American chain Lowes to build at least 150 stores. They built a chain of giant warehouse style stores, which eventually fell to the administrator's hammer. I have dozens of images of the Masters closure which I've never got around to posting.
LX7 - Fallen Masters by
Archiver, on Flickr
