Iconic Albany souvenir store open for final days as Burchers prepare to close Wombat Lodge after 50 years

This week marks the “end of an icon” in Albany as the city’s beloved Wombat Lodge souvenir shop closes its doors after 50 years. George and Helen Burcher announced in January they would close the store once they sold their remaining stock. They have been running a store-wide sale ever since, selling their last pair of Ugg boots last week and offloading various store fittings in recent days. The pair officially declared Saturday, April 13 their last day after persistent questions from customers, but the store will remain open for reduced hours early this week to sell remaining stock. Ms Burcher said the past three months had gone “smoothly and quickly”. She said they were looking forward to having spare time to “live Albany and not just work it”, as well as travelling to Perth to see their young grandchildren. “We’re very happy with our decision and we’ve moved on once we’ve made our own minds up, like we always have,” she said. “We’re on the journey to the end of an era, the end of an icon.” Mr Burcher said it had been lovely to have so many local customers come in to reminisce about the store since they announced they would be closing it. “I love that people consider us iconic because I’m really proud of what what we built here,” he said. The Burchers will donate whatever stock is remaining once they close the doors for the final time to charity.