The Berry Street premises, which now houses Spotlight,  had changed names and changed hands many times since it was built in1888, but through most of those changes, the staff had been retained.

Les Bryant, who began work in 1968 in the grocery section of Woodhills remembers the day the 50 employees were called into the office to be told that Grace Bros was pulling out of Nowra, its smallest NSW store.

The retail giant also exited Tamworth and Bathurst at the same time.

 “The bosses called us all together for a meeting one morning before the shop opened,” Mr Bryant said.  “Everyone was devastated.”

The shocked staff then had to serve out the next 11 weeks, during which Mr Bryant said just about every customer voiced their disappointment with the decision and their support for the staff.

The last day of trading was marked by a 10 second countdown to closing time followed by a flood of tears.

At the time, staff member Rhonda Burton expressed the sadness felt by the employees, many who had been there for much of their careers.

“The old ‘People’s Emporium’ has echoed the footsteps of staff for the last time,” she told the Register.

“Through all this sadness, one thing is encouraging. I don’t think these people will ever lose touch, and that is what will keep them together through the store closure.

“The people who worked here are one happy family and the store closure isn’t going to change that.”

That pledge will be honoured a decade on with a reunion of staff to be held at Buffet Fusion at the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club on June 29 at 6pm.

All employees from any era of the store are welcome along with partners and family members.

Those who would like to come along can RSVP with Les and Catherine on 4421 5433 or with Steve on 4423 1376.