Toyz on Barkly will be closed for the foreseeable future as the impact of flash flooding in Ararat is still felt, more than two weeks on.
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The building, located 133 Barkly Street, couldn't withstand the amount of rain dumped on Ararat in a short amount of time.
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 37mm of rain on Wednesday, February 6, more than 5mm more than the overall February average.
Store owner Melinda Jamieson said the water was pouring in.
"I lost a bit of my ceiling and damage to my floor," she said.
"The water was just running in - we had buckets and moved as much as we could immediately - it was ankle deep.
READ MORE: Flash flooding causes havoc around Ararat
"Internal roof tiles were collapsing after filling with water and one landed on my computer on the counter."
As the cleanup process began, the extent of the damage was revealed.
"I was lucky it didn't damage too much of my stock," she said.
"But because the water has come from the ceiling and off the roof next door - the water was full of pigeon droppings.
"We have pulled up the carpet and timber flooring and are now waiting, guided by the insurance companies."
Mrs Jamieson said a timeline couldn't be put in place due to insurance agencies.
"I have been told it could be up to five to six weeks," she said.
"There are some talks around patching up some areas so I can re-open sooner and then look at closing again to do a full fix."
Alternate locations had crossed Mrs Jamieson's mind for a temporary store - which would allow her to keep trading.
"I have thought about taking some of my stock to another building for the time being so I can still service my customers and the Ararat community," she said.
"I would be very limited in what I would take - but it would be possible to take orders from another location.
"At the moment I am concentrating on getting the interior of the shop completely aired out."
Mrs Jamieson said despite the devastation of the ordeal, she was relieved the damage was only located in the middle of her store.
"If the water came in at the front of the shop it would have ruined all of my stock," she said.
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