It's with mixed emotions that Duncan McPherson closes the door of his family's business that had survived more than a century.
But there is no-one to pick up the thread, with demand dwindling for specialty tailors, and brick-and-mortar clothing stores competing with e-commerce.
After 115 years serving the Goulburn Valley in northern Victoria with clothing and tailoring services, McPherson's Numurkah business will close its doors on June 1, 2023.
Stitching history
Originally opened in 1908 by Alexander McPherson as A.McPherson and Co, McPherson's has been a stalwart in the ever-evolving Numurkah main street.
The shop has been through three generations of ownership, and survived the financial strains of two world wars.
Alexander's son Colin McPherson took over in 1934 and ran the shop until 1985.
Duncan McPherson, the current owner, has great admiration for the business his grandfather created.
"He set up a great business," he said.
"We had agencies in Shepparton, Tatura and all over the place."
While the other McPherson's stores closed in the 1930s, the Numurkah shopfront had stood the test of time until now.
Mr McPherson admits he didn't always plan to pick up the family trade.
"I just didn't want to do this job when I was a kid, I just wanted to get out of Numurkah," he said.
But when his father became unwell in the 1980s, Mr McPherson returned from living in Melbourne to help his mother, Melva, keep the shop open.
He has stayed ever since.
The end of an era
Mr McPherson said while it was a difficult decision to close the business, the time had come.
The shop was listed for sale but could not attract a buyer.
"It's just one of those things where I am getting older, and my mother Melva is 97," Mr McPherson said.
"We have a bed and breakfast business and we'd like to pursue that more.
"Business has been really good in the town of Numurkah, I have thoroughly enjoyed it but you have to draw a line in the sand somewhere."
Not only have many members of the McPherson family worked in the business, it has been an employer for residents as well.
"There have been so many locals who have worked in the business, it is a whole community thing," Mr McPherson said.
Fond memories
Jan Sinclair, who was born and raised in Numurkah, said she was one of many Goulburn Valley residents who felt connected to the store.
Both her grandparents were employed at the business.
Ms Sinclair's maternal grandmother Pearl Marcus was employed as an apprentice or "indentured seamstress" for McPherson's in the 1920s, and learnt the craft of making trousers and vests.
It was her only job, other than raising her six children.
Meanwhile, her grandfather Alf Sloley worked as a travelling salesman for McPherson's through the Riverina.
"My mother told me about my grandparents' working history there," Ms Sinclair said.
"When they were alive I really didn't know much about that and I really wish that I had because I could have talked to them more about it."
Ms Sinclair has many fond memories from her childhood of visiting the store, from being fitted for school uniforms to purchasing her first Miller's shirt.
"I remember going there and being in awe as a little kid," she said.
"I used to look up and at the top of the walls were the most amazing historical photos of football teams and the Numurkah Band."
Ms Sinclair said it would be sad to see the store close.
"It was always just a lovely shop, it was always beautifully presented and had a lovely smell, everyone went there."
