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Retailer Focus - Wine Glass Gallery

Di von Essen

For those who have visited this quaint little store in Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, you will most likely recall being overwhelmed by choice! With over 3,000 gifts in one venue and an emphasis on colourful wine glasses and exciting home decorator items, we’re prepared to bet that you found that “something special” you’d been searching for at the Wine Glass Gallery.

Owner, Mary Booth was just 15 years old when she started her first job working in a Sydney newsagency. More than 60 years later, the spritely business woman is still toiling away behind a shop counter, driven by her passion for people and her love of retailing. Almost half her working life has been spent running businesses of her own, including the past eight years as the owner of Pokolbin’s beautiful Wine Glass Gallery.

To say that the Wine Glass Gallery is an institution in wine country is possibly an understatement. It’s a wine glass wonderland which boasts hundreds of beautiful crystal and colourful glassware, as well as comical wine glasses, coasters and magnets that will have you laughing out loud (yes really!).

Sadly for us, although happily for Mary, retirement calls, and the veteran, national award-winning retailer, will lock up for the final time on 31 May 2020.

Facing many challenges throughout her career, Mary’s dedication and determination have seen her overcome all obstacles and achieve more in retailing than she ever dreamed possible. Her passion and perseverance were also recognised Australia-wide when Mary received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award (+30 years of service) at the 2018 National Retail Awards.

“It felt amazing and was a great honour to earn a National Retail Lifetime Achievement Award; it gave me and my business credibility amongst my peers and family, also with my customers and suppliers,” Mary said.

“I got a standing ovation for my speech, and all the young retailers kept coming up to me say what an inspiration I was; it was an amazing night.”

Equally amazing is Mary’s retail career, which has taken her from the thriving tourist mecca of The Rocks to the world-renowned destination of the Hunter Valley vineyards.

Mary said that she was looking forward to the next chapter in her life and career, which will involve spending more time with family and friends, a bit of travel and perhaps starting an on-line store (watch this space!)

Whatever Mary gets up to, we’re sure that it will be approached with the same gusto and passion that she has shown at every stage of her career – a career which she says has been highlighted by the thousands of amazing, wonderful and interesting customers from all over the world that she has met along the way.

“The biggest lesson I have learned is one must have a passion for whatever you choose to do. Retailing is no different. With passion, it’s not difficult to give more than you receive.”

Until the 31st of May, visitors will not only find Mary’s cheerful face behind the counter, but they’ll also find some fantastic bargains in-store as Mary sells out her stock at up to 50% off marked prices. If you're looking for unique glass vases, bowls, platters and ornaments, you'll find them here, along with quirky collector teapots, exotic candles and infuses, Australian made hand creams, gorgeous silk flowers, souvenirs and so much more. There truly is a gift for everyone and you owe it to yourself to check out why this is a Hunter Valley experience not to miss (before it’s too late!)

WHERE Wine Glass Gallery, Shop 3, Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, Pokolbin

OPEN 7 days 10am–5pm PH 4998 6888

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