P Comino & Sons Getting The Job Done

A unique scent fills the nostrils when you walk into P Comino & Sons. It’s the scent of fine leather and quality clothing but also the scent of almost a century of history emanating from the walls. P Comino & Sons has stood the test of time, celebrating its 90th year this year, and they’ve done so without compromising on their integrity, image or values.

“Nothing much changes here,” said Vassie, a third-generation business owner who operates the store with confidence in her brand and her approach to business. “We’re happy with the pace we’re at.”

Stepping into the store is like stepping into a time machine and Vassie says this is a deliberate choice, maintaining the history that got them where they are today.

“A lot of people like the atmosphere,” she said. “It’s different.”

Driving along Sydney Street towards the Forgan Bridge, the green, yellow and burgundy sign is unmissable, a clear indication of a business that values its heritage. The building dates back to 1890 and hasn’t changed a lot over the years, although one change came in 2000 when the Comino’s installed air conditioning.

“We got a heritage architect up from Brisbane to tell us how to do it properly in keeping with the age of the building,” said Vassie.

Vassie suggested to the architect that they repolish countertops and repaint shelves while work was being completed.

“He said to me, ‘Don’t you dare touch anything. Just leave it how it is,’” she laughed.

“It’s all part of the historical aspect of the building and the business.”

It’s a simple and old-fashioned approach to business and one that has seen P Comino & Sons establish a reputation and dependability and consistency throughout the community.

“We’ve got a lot of longstanding, loyal customers who come because they know this is where they can get exactly what they want,” said Vassie. “We don’t change things at a whim.”

P Comino & Sons have long-stocked brands that customers know and love including King Gee, Dunlop, Bonds, Blundstone, R. M. Williams and Akubra.

“I think people like the consistency,” said Vassie. “A lot of people do know what they want or have a favourite brand that they wear and want to buy the same thing again.”

While their stock is consistent, their range is unusual in its variety.

“Some shops specialise in workwear only, others specialise in western gear only,” said Vassie. “We’ve got an assortment.”

And with such a wide variety of stock, it takes knowledgeable staff to help customers find what they want. Sharon, Jenny and Salina have all worked with P Comino & Sons for over ten years and continue a tradition of long-serving and loyal staff members. P Comino & Sons is a family business, and everyone is a part of the family.

“I think they all have a nice attachment to the shop,” said Vassie. “So do a lot of our customers. A lot of them say, ‘Don’t ever close.’ It’s nice to know that we’re still here and well supported,”

Customers can expect genuine advice and utmost professionalism when they walk through the doors of P Comino & Sons – good old-fashioned customer service.

“The personal service is a big part of it,” said Vassie. “Plus, we handwrite our invoices, isn’t that a dying art?” she laughed.

P Comino & Sons is one of a few businesses that has seen and survived countless changes throughout the Mackay community. Their consistent approach to business allows them to traverse and withstand any tribulation that comes their way.

“Mackay had a lot of local big businesses … you thought they’d be here forever and they’re all history now,” said Vassie.

“I can’t imagine my grandfather ever would’ve thought the business would still be going, or even my father.”

Vassie says that, while the future is unknown, she looks forward to celebrating the centenary in ten years’ time.

“It’s like, in a way, looking after a family heirloom but it’s also a challenge, running a business,” she said.

“We’re grateful to our customers who continue to support us.”

Steeped In History, Loved By Generations

Renowned for their quality products and friendly, personalised service, P Comino & Sons has been faithfully serving the Mackay region for the past 90 years.

One of the founding business pioneers in Mackay City, the first business was opened by newly migrated Greek, Peter Comino back in 1906.

Initially the family worked in hospitality, opening the Sydney Oyster Saloon in Sydney Street.

After a cyclone hit Mackay in 1918, the restaurant needed a renovation, so the Comino family decided to rebrand and re-open as Britannia Café.

In the early 1930’s the business took a different and now very familiar path, opening Comino Drapers on 14 Sydney Street.

This business would soon become the iconic P Comino and Sons we love and hold dear today.

A family business at heart, Peter Comino and his wife Vasiliki had 10 children, many of whom have worked at the family businesses over the years.

Their son Jim managed the store for many years, and his brother Cyril opened Comino’s Camping a few doors up on Sydney Street.

In 1979 Cyril took over management of P Comino & Sons, combining some items from his nearby camping store.

When he retired in 1986, Cyril handed the reins over to his daughter Vassie, who left her profession as a pharmacist to work in the family business.

Vassie has now been managing the business for over 36 years.

Despite remaining a profitable and popular retail destination that has successfully traversed the ages, P Comino & Sons holds dear to its past and part of its charm is the old-world feel customers experience as they enter the store.

The cash register, which was converted to decimal currency in 1966, still sits on the long wooden counters which have stood in store since 1932.

In addition, some of the glass counters and display cabinets originally came from Britannia Café.

The only item of technology in the store is an EFTPOS machine and invoices are handwritten.

Priding itself on operating a good old-fashioned business that has withstood the tests of time and technological advancement, P Comino & Sons will remain how it is, like a museum for the modern age, creating a shopping experience that can no longer be replicated.

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