Ragtrader regularly investigates how key shopping strips in regional Australia are faring. Erin O'Loughlin looks west.
Situated at the mouth of Western Australia's Swan River, with the vastness of the Indian Ocean spreading beyond its shoreline, Fremantle has a long history as a port town.
While local fashion retailers can't claim to have been in operation since 1829, when the city was first settled by Europeans, it doesn't mean they haven't racked up some years between them.
Down on Market Street, just a few blocks back from the water's edge, is Terrace Men. Co-owner of the store, Nic Capozzi, reveals it has been in operation for 30 years.
The store carries anything and everything a man could need including apparel, shoes, aftershave, watches and jewellery. Brands on offer include Kenzo, Duchamp, Dom Bagnato, Sticchi Uomo and King Baby jewellery.
“It's more about design and look as opposed to the label,” says Capozzi. Just a few doors down is Europa Sports Fashion for Men, operated by Peter Ratta. Trading for 16 years, the store has a hearty denim offer including labels Mavi, Pepe Jeans and Rock Revival.
Ratta says the lead up to summer tends to be his busiest time, and 2010 has matched the pattern.
“Summer started pretty slow around September but it has picked up the last four to six weeks. November and December are probably the two busiest months of the year, and October's generally good as well.”
While the City of Fremantle – or 'Freo', as the locals call it – allows late-night shopping on Friday evenings, Ratta does not take part.
“We used to do it on Thursday night and then they changed it in Fremantle to Friday night. We didn't want to do it, we didn't want to stay of a Friday night. We don't need to do it anyway.”
The general manager of Bob's Shoe Store, Natalie Botica, and the owner of young womenswear store Billie and Rose, Sinead English, agree. Both close their boutiques at the usual time on a Friday.
“We used to [do late night trading], but there's just not enough people around... the street's alive when the sun's out,” says Botica.
One store that does keep its doors open until 9pm on a Friday is Subway DC. Co-owner Megan Locke operates three boutiques under the Subway DC name, with the Fremantle store carrying labels including Nudie, Dr Denim, Dues Ex Machina and Shakuhachi.
Locke says the store's clientele includes loyal locals and a mix of tourists “from all over the globe”.
“Rents are now a bigger percentage of turnover than ever before,” Locke says of the changes she has witnessed on Market Street since Subway DC opened there in 1993.
Nearly all fashion boutique owners agree including Peter Ratta, whose rent doubled in January 2010.
It seems to be the city's summers that keep customers and retailers content amidst all the change. That, and one other thing, according to Sinead English.
“Also, there are lots of good places to eat icecream here."