A parody Facebook page for Footscray’s Sims Supermarket has attracted more than 7000 followers within a fortnight of being created.
The page emerged as Star Weekly revealed insolvency firm Rodgers Reidy had been appointed voluntary administrators of the troubled operation, placing the Footscray and Werribee stores on the market.
Despite an increasingly implausible series of posts, the Facebook page is causing confusion among some visitors, who appear to believe it is officially affiliated with the long-running store.
The official Sims Supermarkets Facebook page, with 950 likes, continues to exist although has not been updated since July 5.
The tongue-in-cheek posting has attracted international attention, including comments from LA-based singer-songwriter Ben Lee quashing suggestions he would be appearing at Footscray Hotel to headline a “Save Sims” barbecue benefit concert.
In early signs of a simmering feud, the purported supermarket hypothesised Lee – who once dated Claire Danes and opened for seminal post-hardcore outfit Fugazi, before becoming a trained death midwife and essential oil proselytiser – may have been involved in the tragic death of assistant manager Karen’s beloved cat Damien, known to loved ones as ‘Damo’.
The administrators of the page, who have elected to remain anonymous, told Star Weekly they are regular shoppers at the supermarket.
“We are the power of the community spirit of Footscray.
“Sims symbolises the positive culture of Footscray: competitive prices, friendly service and community spirit.”
The page’s creators believe that despite the store’s current troubles, it is important for Footscray to retain a local and independent supermarket.
“We believe in the power and contribution to the community that only a local supermarket can bring. The tyranny of the Coles/Woolworths duopoly has destroyed local consumer retail culture.”
Although under administration, the Footscray store is continuing to trade while a buyer is sought.
The first meeting of the company’s creditors was held on Tuesday.
