Watson Blinds & Awnings first opened for business 52 years ago with a lonely shopfront and one employee. After fitting over 67,000 homes in the Canberra region with window furnishings, they’re expanding to Watson Blinds Batemans Bay – 34B Orient Street, to be exact.
It might seem an unusual decision given the recent economic difficulties faced by the South Coast, but for General Manager Joel Symmans and his team, this makes the opening of their new showroom cause for celebration.
‘Sarah, Jan, Penny and I are really excited to be opening our
doors to the community on the South Coast,’ Joel said.
‘Batemans Bay has always been a spiritual home for our company in many ways, so we’re excited to be able to give back by bringing jobs and quality window furnishings to the region.’
The South Coast is a popular holiday destination for many Canberrans, including the Watson Blinds team. John Watson, the company’s founder, retired to Huskisson with his wife Pat in 1990, and his 2 sons and their families are residents in the area too. From this perspective, a Batemans Bay store seemed a natural decision – as well as the perfect opportunity to give back.
To announce their arrival, the Watson Blinds Batemans Bay team set up a charity drive, donating 10 percent of every order to the charity or sports club selected by the customer. The initiative was a resounding success, but the commitment to their new home hasn’t stopped there.
They’re also shouting visitors to their showroom a complimentary tea or coffee at the nearby Venetian Cafe – a similar family-run business. The Watsons, who have been family-owned and -operated for 52 years, say that local business is something to be supported, especially in tough times.
‘We try to live by our core values as a small local business. Quality, integrity, ease, and experience are what we’re all about,’ Joel said.
‘Many of our team members have been with us for decades – some for thirty or forty years! We’re big believers in supporting the local community, and it’s easy to do when you love the South Coast as much as we do.’
The new Watson Blinds Batemans Bay Showroom boasts an impressive range of window furnishings, including premium quality blinds, curtains, shutters, and awnings. Its state-of-the-art product gallery is designed to provide customers with a realistic ‘try before you buy’ experience to make sure you’re getting the best look and perfect fit for your home.
Each product is manufactured locally at the Watson factory in Queanbeyan – one of the only dedicated facilities in the region. By keeping their products locally made, the Watson team can ensure that all components are premium quality rather than cheaply imported, putting them a cut above their competitors.
With customer safety and satisfaction their top priority, Watson Blinds & Awnings are currently offering both in-person and virtual consultations for products to furnish both the inside and outside of your home or business.
The Watson Blinds Batemans Bay crew are looking forward to using their 50 years of industry experience to help South Coast businesses and locals however they can. If you’re looking to update your home’s window furnishings and you’re on the South Coast or in Canberra, get in touch here.