RURAL and regional towns are being scouted out more and more by young entrepreuners looking to put their own flare on local CBDs.
Albury Northside Chamber of Commerce business manager, Kathie Heyman said there’s been a number of small businesses popping up across the district, mainly operated by young people.
Ms Heyman said regional towns such as Albury have become a good spot for young entrepreneurs to start up their individually managed businesses as opposed to franchise stores.
Boutiques, food places and entertainment venues are just a few of the different businesses opening throughout the town which Ms Heyman said was giving the regional space a “Melbourne feel”.
There’s a general trend away from the franchise businesses and more towards good quality, local items
- Inverell Chamber of Commerce president, Josh McPhee
“That’s attracting young people to those businesses, the lifestyle and entertainment,” she said.
Inverell Chamber of Commerce president, Josh McPhee said the CBD of Inverell has remained strong due to its appealing aesthetics and the fact their are individual shops as opposed to a “mall type” set up.
Mr McPhee said there were a good amount of young people taking the plunge and opening businesses in the regional town as opposed to working for someone else.
“There’s a general trend away from the franchise businesses and more towards good quality, local items,” he said.
Young entrepreneurs are bringing high quality clothing and unique brands to the town as well as introducing food stores that sell organic produce.
“They’re tapping into what people want,” Mr McPhee said.
Mr McPhee is a local business owner himself, who runs the Dust Jacket book store.
He said having unique businesses has helped identify Inverell and generated interest amongst tourists.
“We’re always told how great the shopping is in Inverell,” he said.
Moree local, Lauren Connor is one regional local who decided to try her hand at owning her own business.
Mrs Connor recently took over La Maison Rose, a children’s clothing, accessories and shoe store located in the main street of Moree.
The store stocks well known Australian brands such as Kip and Co, Paperwings, Munster, Sapling and Salt Water Sandals that can’t be found in major franchises.
After the original owner put her business up for sale, Mrs Connor decided to make it her own venture as she saw a need for a children’s clothing store in the rural town.
Mrs Connor also runs a website for her store, allowing consumers to browse and purchase the produce from the comfort of their own home.
Having an online store has meant Mrs Connor has been able to keep her business buzzing, even if the main street of her rural town is having a quiet day.
To visit Lauren’s online store, click here.
