INGLEWOOD has been a destination for antique enthusiasts in the 12 years Denise Gartside has made the town her home.
The move into the historic Tivey store building, empty for five years before Denise and husband Stephen walked in the Brooke Street doors, has helped turn Inglewood into a mecca for collectors.
“We want our store and the town to be a destination, not just a place to visit,” Denise said on Saturday between guiding customers who had travelled from Queensland, Mornington Peninsula and Bendigo to visit her Inglewood Emporium store.
“People want to look, touch and feel before buying antiques and collectables.
“There’s nothing better for people than a day out and looking through the stores.”
Denise said the Brooke Street vibe was very different to that of 12 years ago.
“When we came, many of the shop buildings were closed. People now have places to eat. People are staying here, visiting the eucalyptus museum ... the visitors are fanning out,” she said.
“They tell their friends and they come up here too.”
Denise is one local trader who has adapted footpath display of goods to meet Federal Government disability requirements.
“I used to pay $150 a year just for an A Frame when I was in Castlemaine. In Loddon Shire, the permits cost about $2 a week - it’s not unreasonable and I have no issue whatsoever,” she said.
The positive vibe from Denise and other Brooke Street traders who have paid the permit fee comes as another long-time antique store closed its doors to the public this month.
Fusspots’ owner Catherine Norman said the permit requirements were not practical for narrow Brooke Street in an ongoing spat with Loddon Shire over compliance.
However, other traders told the Loddon Herald the laws on displaying goods on footpaths were not new. More than 30 business have already had permit applications approved since last July.
Denise said businesses were investing in the town and its future.
“We all have to do our bit. Many of us (antique shops) have put out brochures encouraging collectors to visit Inglewood and make it a destination,” she said.
Last week’s introduction of a 40kmh speed zone through the main shopping strip would add to the attractiveness, she said, while trucks continuing to travel the Calder Highway through town added to the atmosphere.
“Our town is open and I’m not going anywhere ... I’m staying in open,” Denise said. “We’re welcoming people from across Australia and every week there’s at least one person asking about the town. They’re thinking about making the move to live here.”