By Dennis Amor
Have
your say
THE owners of New Age Caravans in Victoria have finally realised their
dream ... to open their own retail showroom.
"It has been a goal of ours ever since we opened the manufacturing doors,"
managing director Gabby Barrasso told Caravanning News.
"As a manufacturer you don't get to interact with customers first hand to
hear and see what they are asking for, what they like and don't like," she
added.
Gabby and husband Joe were all smiles as their new, gleaming 1600sq m
Little Joey's Caravan Centre in Cooper Street, Epping, was officially
opened and welcomed its first customers.
In fact, they sold 18 caravans during the $100,000 grand opening weekend,
with more inquiries still flooding in.
It cost $180,000 to fit out the impressive showroom which showcases $1.8
million worth of stock.
Gabby said New Age Caravans sold "a lifestyle" and needed to ensure it
offered a support system well after a caravan left the showroom.
"The opening was a celebration of that," she said.
"We had an animal farm for the kids, face painter, balloonist, a money
machine for every customer who purchased a 'van, a free BBQ, free drinks,
suppliers assisting in the accessories area and a popcorn machine.
The local mayor also joined the throng of people attending the event
which also attracted the 3AW radio station, Channel 7 What's Up
Downunder production team, existing customers and staff from both
manufacturing and retail business.
"It was a huge success with hundreds and hundreds of people attending,"
Gabby added.
Joe had worked in the caravan industry for 11 years before New Age was
launched in 2004.
The fledging company produced framing and woodwork components for various
caravan manufacturers and was part owners of another successful caravan
manufacturing business.
But it eventually branched out on its own, with the first New Age range of
caravans rolling off the production line in 2009.
New Age Caravans, which produces 28 models and layouts, is a member of the
Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Victoria and the Recreational
Vehicle Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia.
