Community
21 November, 2025
Fond farewell from Wooltrack Store
LISMORE’S Wooltrack Store will be closing its doors after 25 and a half years of operation as proprietor Sandy Gibson sells the store and prepares to step back.
Wooltrack Store has been a strong part of Lismore’s streetscape, with many local events taking place within the store as well as many shoppers simply enjoying an opportunity to stop and chat.
Mrs Gibson said she has had a wonderful time while in business and the decision to sell was “difficult”.
“I’ve made great friends while in the shop – the passing traffic who have found it unique plus locals,” she said.
“There was nothing like this – I used to have art exhibitions here and book launches.
“The authors or artists would attend and speak about their work.
“Our local artists – too many to mention – and craft people were supported.
“It was a great get-together for locals and a learning experience – it was just something that was quite new and different.”
The building, located at 28 High Street, had originally hosted a National Bank service for the Lismore township before shifting to second-hand books and antiques.
Today, Wooltrack Store is best known for its Australian-made products made from natural fibres such as possum, wool, pure cotton and alpaca – including locally-made items such as shirts, nighties and lampshades.
“I do take pride in the fact that I have mostly Australian made if possible,” Mrs Gibson said.
“The district was built on wool and we all grew and believed in wool at that time – it was our livelihood.
“We had a very busy spinners and weavers’ group at that stage and many keen knitters.
“They used to meet in a local wool shed and chatted while they were on their spinning wheels.
“Growing sheep and wool was important in this area, so it seemed to make sense to focus on wool at the shop.”
The store has not only been a source of Australian products – Wooltrack Store has also been a valuable shop front for the Derrinallum and Lismore History Group six days a week.
“Someone will call in and ask about the history of the area,” Mrs Gibson said.
“Quite often a query is solved there and then with the correct connections.
“History publications have been available.
“It’s a very social thing – you meet people, and everyone has a story.”
Mrs Gibson encouraged anyone interested in taking on a business in the local community to do so, saying it creates a source of interest in town.
“People have supported me, and I would say anyone who had a yearning to start a small business would love it as much as I have,” she said.
“Not everyone is happy to shop online and people like to come in here and see the quality available and enjoy the service.
“I am told people enjoy an opportunity to shop locally.
“People will stop, they will spend money and take time to walk around the town and perhaps read our history and more importantly return.
“These tiny towns may eventually die if we don’t have businesses open in our towns.”
Mrs Gibson said she was pleased to see residents shopping locally in the lead-up to Christmas.
“I would like to thank the community, my customers and friends so much for the support I have received,” she said.
“I have definitely decided to remain open until Christmas Eve as it suits both parties.
“I am looking forward to thanking you all personally during that time.”
Read More: Lismore