TRADERS in Inglewood’s Brooke Street are sharing the secrets of shopping in the historic town.
They have banded together promoting local shopping, history and fun facts in the latest push to further boost visitor numbers to the town.
“We had an informal meeting a few weeks ago - businesses in the main street - to talk about ways to grow the shopping experience and promote our town destination that has so much scope to attract more people,” said Inglewood Emporium’s Denise Gartside.
“We want to promote more visitors to Inglewood and naturally, more people buying in our local shops.”
Denise, Charlie Woodman of Carlie Clothing and Accessories, Maryanne Murdoch and Fusspots’ Catherine Norman have become leaders of the informal group.
“We’re not tied to any organisation, just local traders wanting to see a vibrant Inglewood,” they said.
The quartet is encouraging other businesses to be part of their online push through the Visit Inglewood social media page.
Charlie, who last year shifted his store south down the Calder Highway to Inglewood, said there had been strong visitation and support for businesses over the Easter period.
“We hope that with a mix of awareness through local promotion and spreading the word beyond Inglewood and the Loddon Shire that people will make a trip to town in the winter months,” he said. “We open for business and we’re sharing the message that Inglewood is a great place to stop and shop.”
Maryanne said her rustic creations had been a hit with people travelling through town over the past month.
“People are stopping and looking. There’s so much more they can do and we think the Visit Inglewood social page will add to awareness and engagement for this historic part of the Loddon,” Maryanne said.
According to Denise, the recent Easter weekend and the visit of hundreds of enthusiasts driving their streetrods had injected enthusiasm and vigour into Brooke Street.
“We’re just four local business owners working together, united, doing our bit to promote the shops and the town,” she said.
“Inglewood is on the Calder Highway and we know there’s so much here ... the eucalyptus museum is another gem ... that we can help sell what’s on offer to visitors and encourage people to stop, hop out of the cars and explore our shops and history.”