There was a buzz at the Wanniassa shops on Friday as the boardings across the former newsagency were finally removed after more than two years.
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The shop, in a prime location opposite Coles, has been vacant since the Wanniassa Newsagency and licensed Australia Post store went into liquidation in July, 2014.
Thanks to some local powerhouse mums, the site is being re-opened as a pop-up shop for all things gorgeous and mostly handmade from now until Christmas Eve.
Fiona Lester, the dynamo behind baby and children's label Flossie Funky Fresh Fun, in a matter of days was able to negotiate a short-term lease and rally a band of women with their own unique clothing and gift labels, with plans to open the store by 10am on Saturday.
Tentatively called Shop Wanniassa, the business could be a permanent fixture of the centre beyond Christmas if the demand is there.
"This is a three-week trial and if you support us, we will be here forever," an enthusiastic Fiona said.
The mums work from home and usually sell their wares at markets.
Among the others who have signed up for the venture are:
- Samantha Fooks from Motherly Instincts who sells maternity and nursing clothes;
- Amy Acheson from Mamma Fox a children's clothing and accessories label;
- Sarah Higginbotham of Ella Lara Designs which sells hair accessories;
- Neda Luketic of Z and Co baby clothing;
- Frankie JoJo who sells handmade jewellery, accessories and scarves under Bamikbam Design;
- Laura Ahearn from The Candle Maker;
- What I Made by Gemmie Alliston which includes soft toys, blankets and quilts;
- Two Little Gates baby wear by Hayley Croft;
- Rebecca Turpie from Love and Charm Designs specialising in home decor pints, milestone cards and party products.
Other local labels are being added to the store, with Fiona saying she wanted them to be high-quality and not in competition with existing products at the centre.
Shop Wanniassa in Sangster Place will be open from 10am to 6pm seven days a week until Christmas Eve, possibly staying open until 10pm on some evenings.
