Cant Bros Hardware was formed in 1963 by the Cant brothers Frank SNR and brother Allan. Cant bros on Castlereagh Street operated until the building experienced a fire in 1977, they rebuilt on the original site.
The business was operated by Frank Cant junior, until 2002 when the business was sold to the Rohr family from Tooraweenah.
Frank continued to work for Cant Bros and the Rohr family, Rohr’s built the current building on the old site of the Coonamble Hotel in 2003 and moved the business there.
After 52 years in the hardware industry Frank retired in 2015.
The Rohr family continued to operate Cant bros until 30th of June 2026. After having some great times and support from the Coonamble community, the family decided to sell the business to local couple Steven and Natalie Butler and Simon and Jenni Tighe of Coonabarabran who officially took over on 1st July 2026.
Steven has been managing the business for nearly four years with over 25 years’ experience in the retail and wholesale industries, he was joined by wife Natalie in early 2025 in the accounts roll and bringing over 20 years of administrative and accounts experience to the business.
The couple are excited with the new challenge and have been welcomed immensely by customers with their new venture.
Simon has been working in Coonamble for over 5 years, firstly as a Stand in Manager until Steven asked him about a Trade Managers job Cant’s had advertised, and Simon said that’s not for you, come and manage the store, and the rest is history as they say.
Simon brings over 23 years hardware experience within all aspects of the Hardware operations, Simon and Jenni are excited to be part of the Coonamble community with some strong connections already to the town.
Their combined knowledge and experience will add touches to the retail side of the business and customer service, with Steven and Simon planning on improving the building range and customer experience with the new Trade Centre and office space.
Construction is well on the way with the new area planned to be operational in mid-August.
Steven states that the new Trade Centre has had no expense spared and will be a game changer for Cants operation with city style hardware located in rural NSW, he says they will be able to bring a wider range of products to the community.