'It's soul destroying': Mandurah souvenir store forced to shut up shop amid tourism crisis

Based on the city's foreshore, the store has been somewhat iconic to the city since it opened 10 years ago, with its eye-catching nick-nacks a lure for anyone walking past.

But it is now destined to join the growing list of businesses defeated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Owners Michelle and Grant Bodiam have been operating the store at a loss since the pandemic first led to the cancellation of CrabFest in March, and have since been unable to recover.

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It's a grim reality for the local couple, who have now had to "throw their retirement plans in the bin" as they join the crowd of people searching for employment in Mandurah.

Michelle and Grant had originally planned to sell their store within the next two years, and would use the funds to travel around Australia, soaking up the sights of the countryside.

But having to close their doors for the entire month of April, while still paying the premium for rent on Mandurah Terrace, effectively put paid to those plans.

"Our super, our retirement funds, everything is gone now," Michelle said.

"We had a 10-year plan to eventually sell this business and head off around the country, but now we haven't even got a bite.

"People aren't stupid - no one is going to want to buy a tourism business right now."

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The couple's lease for the store was originally set to end in July next year, but they have since reached an agreement with the landlord to vacate on October 31.

"I can't imagine having to pay rent here until July. We would have had to sell our house," Michelle said.

The pair have also received little help in the way of government subsidies, as they themselves run the business without staff.

"Grant receives the JobKeeper payment, but that goes directly to the landlord to pay our rent," Michelle said.

"Basically, we work for our landlord right now.

"It's soul destroying."

Michelle and Grant announced the store's closure via their Facebook page, and have since been inundated with customers eager to support them by purchasing their remaining stock.

But even with the community's outstanding response, Michelle conceded it was a bitter blow to have to shut the doors.

"We're really going to miss all the locals popping in for a visit and buying things to take overseas, and we'll miss welcoming anyone who has traveled to Mandurah," she said.

"We really feel for other tourism businesses too because we know we aren't the only ones struggling.

"It's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel."