The Renton family opened their first store on South Esplanade in 1954 when Bribie Island was a relatively quiet village albeit with regular visitors and tourists through the holiday season. Many members of the Renton family were involved with the store in particular, Keith and Shirley, Keith's parents Harry and Muriel, and Keith's brother, Col.

Around 1961, a site for a new store was chosen on First Avenue, opened in 1963, well positioned to "grow with Bribie" after the opening of the Bribie Bridge in October 1963.

In 1965, Renton's opened another branch at North Street, Woorim to keep pace with growth in demand for building materials on the Island as well as drapery, souvenirs, fancy goods, kitchenware and electrical goods. A television hire service operated for many years before being phased out in the early 1970s.

By the 1980s the store on First Avenue had displays on two levels. The main area was at ground level and opposite the front entrance was a wide staircase leading down to the plumbing, kitchen and timber section.

It was the end of an era when Renton’s Store closed in 1997. Sadly, on 17 October 1997, fire destroyed most of the fittings and stock and the store was damaged badly. Subsequently the building was demolished, and the business closed.

Written by Donna Holmes from information sourced from the BIHS Database and public domain.

References:
Rentons to open another branch. Bribie Star 30 Jul 1965, p. 1

Rentons keep pace with Bribie development. Bribie Islander Aug 1985, p. 1, 27, 30.

Couple see life's work go up in smoke. Bribie Weekly Oct 29, 1997.

Photos:
01. circa 1954-1960 - Store on South Esplanade. Bribie Islander Aug 1985, p. 1

02. circa 1954-1960 - Renton's store on South Esplanade before the store was moved to First Avenue. Couple see life's work go up in smoke. Bribie Weekly Oct 29, 1997.

03. 1970s - Rentons Hardware as it looked in the late 1970s. Couple see life's work go up in smoke. Bribie Weekly Oct 29, 1997.