Wally & Liz Young's old Whananaki Store with Debby Young

Liz & Wally Young inside Whananaki Store circa. 1972

As a really young kid (the store burnt down when I was 8), Wally & Liz Young had Whananaki Store. It was a real rabbit warren, filled floor-to-ceiling with every possible thing a local or tourist could ever need.

I was absolutely fascinated. I would've spent hours there if I was allowed. There were fishing rods, hawaiian shirts, pumpkin and a toaster. You could buy a greeting card, button or a zip. You could fill the car up, get the papers and a postal order. Have a milkshake while picking up some fuse wire. All on monthly account if Wally would let you.

And it was this experience that made me dream that one day, just one day, if I worked really hard at school, I might just be able to work at a shop.

Allowed only "one thing" per trip by mum and dad, it was an almost impossible decision. Aniseed balls, two for a cent, that's a good deal. And there was something machivallian about making the shop keeper count out a hundred lollies for such meager earnings.

When we decided to rename the store Whananaki General Store, it was Wally and Liz's shop that inspired that. A general store needs to have everything. It is a promise to the customer - no need to go to town, you've got them sorted.

At Wally & Liz's Whananaki store, they had everyone sorted.

Debby Young grew up at Whananaki Store, working behind the counter with her mum and dad. We spoke to Debby today on Whananaki FM (listen on iHeartRadio anywhere in the world or 88.2FM in Whananaki), checkout the memories!

Press play to hear Debby's interview.

Debby Young on the old Whananaki StoreWhananaki FM

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