This week, Arnold’s Fruit Market, a fruit and vegetable business in Wodonga Victoria is celebrating 125 years in business and the birthday celebrations are underway.

Current managers Louise and Roger Arnold are the fourth generation to work in the business and Roger’s three children Ben, Jake and Maddy have also joined the operation making them fifth generation. Louise and Roger are often confused as husband and wife but are sister and brother and it was their Great Grandfather JG Arnold who established the business in 1892.  Operating in the 19th century, the 20th century and the 21st century as one family is what makes Arnold’s unique in Australia. 

Most families can’t stand to be together for more than five minutes, so what’s the secret to 125 years?

“Our family” says Louise. “And what we’ve learnt from our forefathers – our cousins, our uncles, our grandparents and taking all that on. And listening to our customers as well, a family business is very different to a corporate business. We’re able to have our finger on the pulse very quickly.”

“Being able to to change. You have to change with the times and change with technology and we’ve been able to do that” adds Roger. 

In 1897, JG Arnold opened the first shopfront in Albury before Arnold’s controversially moved across the border to Wodonga in 1980. Take a look through this historic gallery to see how Arnold’s was and is now. 

Arnold’s is celebrating its birthday by thanking its customers, staff and suppliers and having a market day on Thursday and Friday. When you turn 125, it’s sale day all week!

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