Since Cancer Council WA first opened our retail outlets back in 1989, a lot has changed!
Australia's first skin cancer prevention shop opened in Ord Street back in the day, with the aim of making sun protection merchandise affordable. In the first four days of trading, 14,000 sunglasses were sold and there were orders taken for another 15,000.
Then in 1990, we opened the doors to a new retail shop in Subiaco. You may have also seen our mobile SunSmart van, bringing our stores to you, at large outdoor events.
Fast forward 33 years, and the retail landscape is almost unrecognisable.
Customers now turn to online purchases for convenience. Major retail stores also dominate a large percentage of sales, by providing quality products at a fair price.
With Cancer Council WA's products being sold online, and throughout numerous locations across the state, we have decided to close our Subiaco retail store and SunSmart van service.
Other prominent changes have also occurred in retail stores, regarding SunSmart protective wear, including the quality, price and availability of items here in Western Australia.
This has largely been influenced by Cancer Council WA's advocacy work and retail outlets, driving consumer education and expectations of Ultraviolet (UV) Meter protection.
Whilst our community are familiar with the 'Slip, Slop, Slap Seek and
Slide' message, we continue to empower our audience with knowledge about the mechanisms of UV radiation.
This work is vital here in WA, with our extremely high levels of UV. Skin cancer is also the most common cancer in Australia, despite being almost entirely preventable.
The focus has therefore been on changing social norms relating to sun protection, with priority populations being targeted to improve awareness, knowledge, attitudes and behaviour relating to UV exposure and the early detection of skin cancer.
From setting the trend, to normalising SunSmart behaviour, West Australian's now have access to our quality, sunscreens, sunglasses, hats, clothing and more from numerous major outlets, including pharmacies, supermarkets and department stores.
Whilst our Subiaco store and roaming SunSmart van will no longer be in operation, it's not goodbye, but see you around - in your online cart, shopping isles, whilst you're collecting a script and more!
