Northgate’s 40th anniversary: Only two original stores remain since the shopping centre was established

As the Northgate Shopping Centre turned 40 years old this week, two local businesses celebrated their own special milestone as they remain the only two firms in the centre since day one. Northgate opened to the public on October 26, 1982, and while many businesses have come an gone since then, Piaf Hair Design and Kevin Hackett Optometrist are the only originals left. Reflecting on 40 years inside the centre, owner of Piaf Hair Design, Josephine Mas said the opening day was overwhelming, with a line-up of customers waiting outside the centre’s doors before 7am. Ms Mas said without long-time clients, Piaf Hair Design wouldn’t exist. “Some of those clients I have had for the full 40 years,” she said. “Also, sadly, I’ve lost a lot of clients because when we opened 40 years ago, we had clients then that were 40, 50, 60 and of course they’ve gone to God now.” Ms Mas said she was appreciative of the clients and current and former staff and was proud to be an independent hairdresser. “We’ve seen so many people come and go over that 40 year period. And the last two men standing are independents, and that says a lot about, small, independent businesses,” she said. “I’m definitely going to keep going, I don’t have any plans. I felt like I’ve winged the last forty, so I’m just going to wing the next. But I can assure you of one thing, I wont be here in 40 years time.” Staff at the hairdresser surprised Ms Mas on Wednesday, decorating the store in pink to commemorate their boss’ milestone. The other independent business, Kevin Hackett Optometrist, is the only other remaining store since the shopping centre was established. Mr Hackett said he chose to relocate from Perth when the centre was built, and the store had one redevelopment since then. “We’ve had a few owner changes, but the store has done well, because the shopping centre has been the major shopping area,” he said. “It’s changed a little bit now because of the Seabreeze development and it’s gone downhill a little bit. But we’ve got Kmart, and we’ve always seemed to have Coles and Target before that.” Mr Hackett said there were always the loyal customers who have since had kids and they have become customers. He said he would spend more time with family looking into the future. “I’ve got grandkids now so I’ll be spending more time with them,” he said.