In a little more than two-and-a-half years, The Collective Kiama has gone from a bright idea to home to more than 50 small retailers.
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The Kiama Pop-up Co-op opened in 2015, and ran for 18-months on Collins Street before founder Emily Gough created The Collective Kiama on Terralong Street in October 2016.
Now, the savvy business leader has expanded her business south.
The Collective at Berry Cool Estate is located on Coolangatta Road, a short drive from Shoalhaven Heads and stocks everything from handmade candles, kids clothing, toys, home wares and artwork, to handmade jewellery, natural beauty products, woodwork and sculptures.
The Collective is accompanied by The Singing Dog Vegetarian Cafe and Berry Cool nursery.
We want to be that regular destination for everyone in the Shoalhaven.
- Emily Gough
Ms Gough said The Grounds in Alexandria was inspiration for the new venture.
“We really use them as a reference in terms of developing a destination for the South Coast,” she said.
“We would like to offer ongoing events on weekends for families, with fresh produce, events and games for kids, live music and make it a great place to bring a picnic and enjoy a day out.
“We want to be that regular destination for everyone in the Shoalhaven.”
With 23 retailers and room for more, The Collective provides a small business hub offering fledgling store owners an option to get up and running without the huge outlay.
“As a small business owner myself, I found it increasingly difficult to expand the business with the online challenges and the cost of retail space,” she said.
“I really felt there needed to be another way and I saw a huge opportunity to support other businesses to give them the go I really really wanted myself.
“To transition from a market stall into a retail space is very expensive and difficult.”
Ms Gough said The Collective had supported approximately 100 small businesses thus far.
“We’ve seen a lot of businesses transition to bigger and better things because they’ve had the opportunity to sell with The Collective,” she said.
“Lots of people have gone on to develop really good websites and open their own stores, so it has given lots of people that opportunity to expand and given them the confidence to know their market.”
Ms Gough was enthusiastic when asked if there were plans to expand the business further.
“I am always on the scout for any opportunities to expand The Collective,” she said.
“The business model lends itself to being able to be set up anywhere and with the ongoing support of local small business, we can hopefully continue to grow.”
The Collective at Berrycool Estate is set to officially launch on Saturday, September 9.
The day will include live music, outdoor games, kids activities, farmers’ market, nursery, cafe and local creators and artists showcasing their wares.
Entry will be by gold coin donation and will go towards breast cancer research.
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