Phone Plug owner Shane Muradian said he was never given the chance to renew his lease. Photo: Shane Muradian.
The owner of a mobile phone shop says it is being forced out of its tenancy at Figtree Grove shopping centre.
In a Change.org petition, owner of Phone Plug Figtree Shane Muradian (formerly RN Communications) said he was “deeply disheartened” that his shop’s position had been leased to another mobile phone shop.
Mr Muradian claimed that during a meeting with Figtree Grove management six months before his lease was due to expire, he was informed there had been a prior discussion in which he had indicated he was not interested in renewing his lease and could not afford a rent increase.
“To the best of my knowledge, no such meeting took place and I had not spoken to management about renewing my lease,” he said.
“At no point did we express a lack of interest in staying. We were willing and prepared to continue serving this community. I have never had any issues meeting my lease obligations and have always paid my rent on time.
“Management told me they were looking into it, but ultimately I was told the space had been leased to another mobile phone shop.”
It follows the contentious closure of Wasabi in September, during which the owners said they had been told the new landlord was “planning to attract more nationwide stores and franchises” to the shopping centre.
An announcement on the Figtree Community Notice Board on Facebook has attracted dozens of comments from community members, ranging from perplexed to outraged.
“What is going on with this centre management? First the amazing sushi shop booted and replaced with another sushi shop and now this. Scummy!” one post read.
“Centre management at that place is a joke. First the nice people from the sushi shop and now this guy. I have used Shane a few times always helpful and great service,” another read.
“Figtree Grove … What is going on here? As a strong community built on supporting small businesses, your actions certainly don’t align with what the community stands for. If only someone with more heart and ethics could take this complex over,” read another.
Others lamented the loss of the small business and shared words of support.
“Definitely signing this. You boys are always so nice and helpful, especially to my 81-year-old father, who always pops past and asks for help. Good luck,” one posted.
“So sorry to hear that this has happened. You’ve always been amazing to deal with, so friendly accommodating and knowledgeable. We’ll be staying loyal to your business around the corner.”
In a statement, Figtree Grove Centre Manager Mel Steward maintained the centre had acted in line with its legal and contractual obligations.
“Fawkner Property prides itself on its retail leasing expertise and has, and continues to comply with, the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 in all its leasing activity at Figtree Grove,” she said.
“However, as this matter is currently the subject of mediation, it would be inappropriate for us to comment on the specifics. As a landlord, we are bound by confidentiality obligations and must respect the legal process.
“We remain committed to acting in accordance with our contractual rights and obligations, and to ensuring the continued operation and stability of the centre for the benefit of our retailers, customers and stakeholders.”
Mr Muradian said if management was open to reconsidering, he would “welcome the opportunity” to sign a new lease.
While the shop owner expressed disappointment, he was also grateful for his loyal customer base.
“The community response has been heartening, with lots of people approaching me to say how sorry they’ll be to see us go,” Mr Muradian said.
“You don’t serve a community for seven years without forming relationships. Our customers have supported us through some tough times over the years, including during COVID. I have gotten to know them, seen their kids grow up. I even met my fiancé at this store.
“The loyalty of our customers is what built this store, not a lease.”
Customers can expect business as usual at Phone Plug until Saturday 11 April when its lease expires. After that, operations will move to Mr Muradian’s other Figtree Grove shop, Telechoice, opposite Oliver Brown.
