Bruce is retiring and the shop at 126 Heber Street will close. The property will be sold afterwards.

Hong Yuen Moree was established in 1926 in the Balo Street building that was initially Mellors, next door to the original Commonwealth Bank.

The shop was opened by Bruce’s grandfather George Ping Kee (Louie Mew Ping).

It was a general store with groceries, liquor, kitchenware, toys, ladies’ and men’s apparel, haberdashery and sporting goods. 

For many decades after that his sons, Lawrie and Sid Ping Kee guided the store’s fortunes. Locals have many stories of how the two brothers would extend their credit when times were tough.

These deeds were re-paid to the family by years of customer loyalty. When Bruce returned to Moree after serving in Vietnam, he and Richard helped run the business.

There were other Hong Yuen general stores in Inverell, Warialda and Texas owned and run by the extended Fay (Louie Mew Fay), Cum and Lun (Louie Mew Lun) families.

Unfortunately in 1978 the main Moree shop was destroyed by fire, so the more profitable lines of the business as well as the name, were moved to The Handy store ( and so it was for many years prior) at 126 Heber Street.

Bruce has enjoyed his years of interaction with his business suppliers, past employees, friends and customers.

The large supermarket chains and the ease of internet shopping has made it increasingly difficult for all family businesses everywhere.

So on retirement, he would like to thank everyone for their support over the years.

In the meantime, he is busy with the 50 per cent discount on all goods and hopes to see you before he hangs up his calculator!