This marks the second ice-cream shop to close, after Cold Rock ice creamery departed Wagga in 2015. 

Baskin-Robbins franchisee manager Dean Lightfoot, said the store closed because the franchise agreement ended, eliminating reasons to believe Wagga’s wintry blast was the cause. 

Whether Baskin-Robbins ice creamery will return to Wagga remains largely uncertain. 

“At this stage no, I’m not sure whether another store will open, but you never know what will happen in the future,” Mr Lightfoot said. 

Despite Baskin-Robbins’ closure in Wagga, ice creamery competitor Gelatissimo will not be going anywhere. 

Gelatissimo’s CEO Filipe Barbosa said that sales in regional stores like Wagga are obviously different to major cities, but with lower rents it is all about “relativity”. 

“Our Wagga store has been a staple for Wagga residents through the provision of great products and friendly customer service for more than 10 years,” Mr Barbosa said. 

“There is no silver bullet for our success in Wagga, just a focus on delivering a great customer experience.” 

Mr Barbosa argued that it is “unfair” to compare stores as each have their own dynamics, but the Wagga store will continue to provide locals with options they “deserve”. 

“Wagga is a great store run by a lovely couple,” he said. 

”We certainly see a sales dip each winter but it also comes down to what we sell. 

“However, we have not seen any substantial changes this winter compared to last winter.” 

Wagga residents will now have to travel far to get Baskin-Robbins as the closest shop is all the way in Wollongong. 

Sturt Mall’s centre management declined to comment, leaving residents to wonder what will replace the now vacant Baylis Street-fronting store between retailers Seona Madison and Sportsgirl.