It’s the end of an era for Redfern. After 55 years of serving the community, Joe and Marie Ambour, longtime owners of Ambour Hardware, are closing the doors.
An institution on Redfern Street, Ambour has supplied locals and travelling tradies with all the supplies, tools and advice needed to complete projects of any size.
The shop has been operated by Joe’s family since 1958, with Joe taking over from his brother in the early 1970s. After decades of six-day weeks spent stocking shelves, cutting keys and timber, Joe says he’s ready for retirement.
“I started when I was 19 with my brother, and 12 years after that I bought it from him and have been here ever since. So, it’s been 55 years,” he said.
“I just want to get rid of the business and have my own life back again, because I’ve been here too long and think I need a break.”
The inner handyman in Joe won’t leave when he closes up shop. He said that after retirement he’s still willing to help others out with odd jobs, whether that’s “changing their taps, or anything else”.
Over the years, Joe and Marie have been loyal supporters of the South Sydney Herald, keeping copies of the monthly paper available at their store counter for customers to take home or flip through.
As their doors prepare to close, Joe and Marie are looking forward to enjoying their retirement, taking the time to relax, spend time with family, and possibly travel.
“We have a lot of other things to do at home, working six days a week there isn’t time to do anything else. We have to clean up everything, then after that we can go for a holiday,” Joe said.
“I’m 74, it’s time to retire and find someone who really wants to buy hardware. If I can’t find anyone, I’ll just have to put all the goods for sale and reduce the stock.”
Small, family-owned businesses like Ambour keep Redfern’s heart beating strongly. We, like many others, will be sad to see them go, but we wish them luck for the next exciting, and hopefully more relaxed, chapter of their lives.
“To come here every day, year after year, it goes by so quick,” Joe said.
Ambour Hardware will be closing its doors in January 2025. Be sure to visit the store at 93a Redfern Street for discounted items, or contact Joe with any queries about purchasing stock on (02) 8937 0556.
