Trying on a new hat
BOUTIQUE OPENS DOORS IN ANOTHER SPOT AFTER PROJECT VENTURE CLOSES
Vintage Chic Boutique has moved from its original shopfront on High St that was part of the Renew project to a permanent lease in the mall.
Owner Lyndelle Ackland is keeping her business alive at the Tower Arcade, 222 Maude St, after the shock news that the Renew project was shutting.
‘‘Now we are in the heart of the CBD and it’s been 100 per cent better location-wise,’’ Ms Ackland said.
She spent about a year in her High St shopfront as part of Renew, which sells vintage and retro inspired fashions.
The Renew project gave her the chance to test the waters for what was previously a part-time business.
‘‘Now we are leading into the Spring Racing Carnival it is full time and a half,’’ she said.
Amanda McRoy, from Seven Creeks Pearls, has been busy since Renew ended and has been taking her business on the road.
She just wrapped up a monthlong residency at Canberra’s Floriade festival, which attracts more than 400 000 visitors each year.
A former human resources manager, she said Renew gave her the chance to transition her side business into a full-time operation.
‘‘It definitely builds your credibility to have a shopfront,’’ Ms McRoy said.
‘‘It is something I wouldn’t have done without the project.’’
She was still looking at if she would take on a permanent lease for her shop, and said she was currently looking at what was available.
In the meantime, she still has a website to sell products to customers and has a few more trade shows booked in over the coming months.
Indigenous artist Ross Morgan said after Renew ended he decided not to move on to a permanent lease.
When news of the Renew project shutting down broke last month, acting Chamber of Commerce president Carl Hainsworth said the Greater Shepparton City Council would take on aspects of the Renew project.
Despite seeking this information no details have been given from the council, with a spokesperson saying they are unable to comment on this during the election period due to the caretaker policy.