The Re Store: Perth's Beloved Family Deli Reaches 90-Year Milestone
In an era where retail stores are closing across Perth and shopping increasingly moves online, one family-run institution stands resilient, refusing to be left behind. The Re Store, which started as a modest fruit and vegetable shop in Northbridge, is proudly celebrating an impressive 90 years in business this year.
A Legacy Built on Resilience and Connection
Still owned and operated by the grandchildren of its founders, John and Maria Re, the Leederville and Northbridge landmarks have remarkably outlived numerous challenges, including a fire, shifting trends, a cost of living crisis, personal losses, and even a global pandemic. The secret to their enduring success is surprisingly straightforward, according to owner Moreno Berti.
"People still want to touch and feel products. They want advice," Berti explained to STM. "They might already know what they're looking for, but they crave that human connection — someone who says, 'Try this, you'll love it.' Why put a Re Store on every corner? That's not us."
From Humble Beginnings to Four Generations of Growth
What began as a deli opened thanks to a pawned wedding ring has now blossomed into two thriving businesses spanning four generations. In recent times, the store's legendary continental rolls, affectionately known as "conti rolls," have become a major draw for crowds. However, this beloved sandwich has humble origins, created in the late 1940s as a clever solution to reduce wastage from the ends of salami, mortadella, and ham.
"My grandfather thought, 'Just make a mixed meat and cheese roll.' That's how it started. Basic," Berti recalled. "And literally, it grew and grew and grew."
The Power of Personal Touch in Modern Retail
Yet, it is the deep sense of connection that truly keeps shoppers returning. Staff greet customers by name with a warm smile, offering tried-and-tested recommendations for paired wines, excellent cured meats, or cheeses. Berti shared a heartwarming example of this community bond.
"I've got a group of Italian guys who come in every Saturday morning and stand guard at the front," he said. "At eight o'clock, they open the door — they're always the first four in. I've been here 35 years, and they've been doing it since I started."
This personal touch, combined with quality products and a rich family history, has cemented The Re Store as an iconic Perth institution, proving that in a digital age, human interaction remains a powerful force in business longevity.
