Search online for a "hardware store" in Wollongong and it's more likely you'll get a computer retailer than a purveyor of paint and power tools.
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Such has become the lot of the local hardware store, which has been almost wiped out by the advance of the unstoppable large green warehouse chain.
It has now lost another outpost - the longstanding premises at Bulli, which was until recently the only independent hardware store between Bulli and Unanderra has swung its trade gates closed for the last time.
It is very hard to compete with multi-national companies, as for all independents
- Lorraine Van De Haar
The Bulli store had been rebranded from Home to the Hardware Man after its Unanderra parent, but since Bunnings opened in Bellambi two years ago, it was always going to be tough for the smaller operator.
Hardware Man general manager Lorraine Van De Haar said it was the store's site which made access difficult for many customers.
"Due to the space, site access, parking and the amount of trucks/delivery vehicles congesting the site we came to the decision that we could better service our customers straight out of our Unanderra Hardware Man store," she said in an email.
It is not clear how many people lost their jobs at Bulli but some estimates are that at least seven people worked there.
Read in depth: Local hardware on the verge of extinction
"It is very hard to compete with multi-national companies, as for all independents," Ms Van De Haar said.
"The advantage we have over multi-national companies is knowledge, adaptability and a passion for hardware."
Ms Van De Haar said northern customers would still be served by the Unanderra store's "north express" delivery service.
The Unanderra store will soon be dealing with a Bunnings threat of its own, with a new warehouse under construction at Kembla Grange.
But Ms Van De Haar said Unanderra was three generations strong, and would "continue to thrive".
"Our only focus is on our customers and how we can better service them by creating long lasting working relationships," she said.
"We pride ourselves in offering exceptional old fashion customer service and knowledge.
"We have been the region's leading independent hardware store for over 60 years."