If you watched Melbourne TV back in the 1980s, then this commercial for Stan Cash, the tin shed cowboy should be familiar. For me, it was a little before my time.
Back in 1985 he had 11 stores selling electrical appliances and household items around Melbourne, the majority of them located in the northern and western suburbs:
- Werribee
- Footscray
- Maidstone
- Sunshine
- St Albans
- Essendon
- Oak Park
- Thomastown
- Greensborough
- Coburg
- Brighton
Today the stores might be all gone, but his smiling face can still be found in the western suburb of Maidstone.
His hat can be seen from a mile away!
You can also get your own piece of the Stan Cash action in t-shirt form, thanks to the wonders of the interwebs.
Postscript
After many years Stan Cash rides again – this time on Geelong Road in Brooklyn. I spotted the following store in December 2012 – the signs out the front said ‘opening soon’:
I loved stan cash. You can even get him on a tshirt now. Brings back memories of the 80’s like TDK
I remember coming across the t-shirts when I was researching Stan Cash – unfortunately it seems they are now sold out:
http://dicktees.com.au/products.php?id=106
I hear Stan Cash is coming back in a few months, somewhere in the western suburbs of Melbourne
It’s doing the rounds of the Australian electrical appliance industry as well:
http://www.current.com.au/2012/08/17/article/Stan-Cash-is-king—and-a-cowboy-too/XOILCVCOZN.html
Stan Cash is back on Geelong Rd in Braybrook!!!! Check it out and follow them on facebook!
How is this for coincidence – while you were posting that very comment, I was driving down Geelong Road in Brooklyn (not Braybrook) and spotted said store – I’ve added the photo to the postscript.
I was the original sign writer to all Stan Cash stores. Stan Raftis was the original owner who partnered up with Robert Soek
To eventually to be bought out by Leo Wings a furniture salesman who worked for Stan Cash, who eventually sent Stan Cash to the wall. The original owner (Stan Raftos) lives in Perth currently dying of cancer. I advised him of the re-birth of the Stan Cash brand and Robert Soeks stewardship. He advised me of his deep respect of Robert and wished him well.
Thanks for the info Denis – looks like there is quite the story behind the store.
Denis,
I worked for Stan Raftos at the Middle Park Hotel in the early 90’s. I am saddened to here of him being so sick. He was a great bloke to work for.
Regards,
James O’Keefe.
Dear Denis
It is a long time ago and some things you say are o.k but not all
First of all Robert was not the partner of Stan Raftos at all
I did start of the stan cash stores with stan and we worked for a couple of years together till Stan sold out to me thenI run stan cash for another 9 years and was bought out as we were a very good and profiable company
Robert Soek and Joe Spano and Robert joint meabout 12 months after Stan had left
the 3 of us still see each other and get on well and also wish Robert Soek all the best in his large store in Brooklyn and we are in touch
It is also very sad to hear about Stan Raftos and hope for the best for him
So you have some thing right but hope this will help the memory’s
and you were the best sign writer I think
Good luck Robert (Stan Cash WHO IS THAT MAN)
Dear Denis
Further to your remarks
STAN CASH went on to have 17 stores employing about 300 people and was very sucsesful And it did not go to the wall (your words)at all after selling the company for a figure that we could not refuse it went on trading for a number of years making a good profit
Joe Spano, Robert Soek,and myself went on again doing well and still doing so and with all the skill of Robert I am sure that it will do well.
As for you doing our sign writing I did pay your bill for more then 9 years
and always well before time so I think you must remember that.
REGARDS Leo
Leo, thanks for clearing up my errors. I never ever had a problem with payment in my dealings with stan cash under stan or your steward ship and did not infer that. My time working for stan cash was a life experience that i and my staff enjoyed. I would also like to inform you and all the people that ever worked for the founding father of stan cash Stan Raftos that sadly he lost his life to brain cancer on the ninth of april 2013 In Perth
Sorry to find out Stan had died, I knew and worked with him a long time ago but lost contact with him after leaving Brisbane.Great guy to know, worked hard played hard.
Hi Leo, great to note you are still around. As you know I worked with you for a few years. I have very fond memories of that time.
Are you involved in the rebirth of Stan Cash?
Cheers
Eric B
https://www.stancash.com.au/
Yes, its back up and running again in Brooklyn, plus another outlet in Keilor Park!
Hi Leo
I came upon this site by accident, but recognised your name. My name is Al Davie and in 1966 we worked with you in uniroyal. My wife and I have never forgotten the kindness you showed to us as migrants back then. We arrived penniless with nothing and you helped with lifts to work picnics, with second hand fridge, washing machine, etc for us. Over the years we have mentioned these actions to friends, as you were our angel unaware! And for this we truly thankyou and wish you good health and trust you are going well. Al
Hi Leo,
My name is Chris van de Ven and I dealt with you, Stan Raftos, Robert Soek and Joe Spano, back in the 1990’s when I was the state manager for Hoover Australia. I have very fond memories of you and your management team, as people who at all times were truly great to deal with. I especially remember the day that all of you and your wives came to our place for a BBQ, something that I would not have done with any other management people that I dealt with at that time. I heard an advertisement on the radio this morning advertising that famous old name of Stan Cash and decided to have a look at where it is today. Very sorry to hear about Stan having lost his battle with cancer. All the very best for the future for you and your family.
Kindest regards, Chris van de Ven.