The Economic Cash Stores were started by Mr. Roach, who was also a tailor. He built a house at the corner of Denny Street. The fact that he had been a sailor in is youth was revealed in the design of the house.

He had a brother who started a chemist shop. The house and the Economic Cash Stores were later taken over by George Dobson, followed by Mr Tom Wilkinson. Dick Atkinson married Tom’s daughter, Margaret, and later the business was later carried on by Mr Wilkinson’s son in law and daughter, Mr and Mrs Dick Atkinson. (Pearl Marshall) p89

Notes:

The Shire bought the building and demolished it to build the library.

‘Then a little further on across the railway line was the genial owner of the Economic Stores George F. Dobson, familiarly known as “old Dobbie” old being a term of endearment as he was rather young to apply it to his age. Everyone appeared to like “old Dobbie”. He once told a friend that he began business with only one pound in his pocket and that he gave away to someone going the rounds with a subscription list for a good cause, as he was desirous of making a good impression at the start! A favourite saying of “old Dobbie’s” was that “even if you are poor, don't look poor”. I sometimes think that this is advice well worth following but sometimes it is very hard to do so.’ (AHA Allardyce)

The Economic sold shoes, gloves, scarves, clothing, mercery and drapery.

A railway trolley restored by Tom Brade and a Railway shelter shed were relocated to this area for some time, they were both removed in 2010 to make way for the Community Centre.

The telephone number for “The Economic” was Gnowangerup No. 1