Business Spotlight: Ray Croft, Colac
Published on 29 September 2026
For more than a century, Ray Croft has been helping locals find quality clothing, gifts, and everyday essentials, while remaining one of Colac's most recognisable and enduring family businesses.
The origins of Ray Croft date back to 1911, when the business began as a haberdashery store. It later expanded to sell men's clothing and electrical goods under the Ball & Croft name from the building now occupied by Otway Optical.
In 1932, Ray Croft Pty Ltd opened a dedicated menswear store at 152 Murray Street, a location the business still proudly calls home today. More than 50 years later, an opportunity for expansion arose when the neighbouring Coles Variety Store closed. Ray Croft acquired the building and launched Ray Croft Ladieswear in 1985, broadening its range to include ladieswear, giftware, manchester, toddler clothing and school uniforms.
Today, the business continues to evolve with changing customer needs, focusing on ladieswear, menswear and toddler clothing. Its extensive range caters for all ages, with a strong emphasis on quality brands, choice and personalised service.
Managing Director, John Carew says adapting to changing customer expectations while maintaining traditional customer service has been key to the business's longevity.
"Retail has changed enormously over the years, but our focus has always been on looking after our customers. We work hard to provide quality products, good value and the personal service people expect when they walk through our doors."
Customer loyalty remains central to the business's success. Generations of local families continue to shop at Ray Croft, with many visitors also travelling from across western Victoria to experience its unique department store atmosphere.
"We're incredibly grateful for the support we've received over the years. Many of our customers have shopped with us for decades, and there's nothing more rewarding than hearing that they still enjoy the experience of coming into the store and finding exactly what they need."
Ray Croft combines that traditional shopping experience with a modern approach to retail, using Facebook and Instagram to showcase new arrivals, seasonal trends and special promotions. Ray Croft offers mid-year winter/summer sales, EOFY sale, The Annual Ray Croft Birthday Sale is celebrated with a discount throughout the entire store, a 3 & ½ Day Christmas sale is held at the beginning of December and weekend trade mid Dec allows customers extra time to shop before Christmas. Santa visits Ray Croft every year on the last Sunday of December between 1pm-3pm to allow customers to take photos with Santa.
The business is also a strong supporter of the local community, contributing to sporting clubs, schools and charitable organisations throughout the region. When a customer is looking for something not currently in stock, the team will do its best to source the item and, where possible, refer customers to other local businesses to help keep spending within the community.
"Local businesses are stronger when we support each other. If we can't help a customer, we'd rather see them find what they need from another local business than leave the region."
More than 110 years after its beginnings, Ray Croft continues to demonstrate the value of customer service, community connection, and the ability to adapt, proving that local businesses can thrive when they remain focused on what matters most: their customers.