What's selling in Cowes, VIC

Cowes is located at the northern end of Phillip Island and is the administrative centre on the island. Located 140km south of Melbourne, Cowes is a major tourist centre and attracts hoards of visitors who come to see the penguin parades, grand prix and stunning beaches.
Male Centre shop assistant Angela Bell said independent business owners in the area rely heavily upon the tourism industry to support the local economy. The tourism industry, however, is strongly dictated by the weather because the majority of attractions on the island are outdoors.
"Business is determined by how good the weather is. If it's a nice weekend I know we are going to be have a lot of customers but if it's miserable weather business is usually slow," said Bell.
"We rely on our busiest time which is the holiday season. It starts from October and follows through until Easter."
A major benefit for all independent retailers in Cowes is that there are no chain stores on the island to compete with.
"There's only one chain and that's a Coles supermarket!" said Bell.
"It's an interesting place really because franchises aren't allowed on the island."
The Male Centre stocks casual and after five menswear. Labels stocked include Breakaway, Gloweave, Gaz Man, Yarra Trail, Lee Rider and Levis.
Island Style owner Kim Fairthorne said in the peak holiday period the town's population rapidly increases as families and day-trippers flock to the town.
"A lot of people who have holiday homes in the area come to Cowes on weekends and over the holidays," said Fairthorne.
"The population will almost quadruple in the holidays. We even get international tourists who come to see the grand prix and the penguin parades."
Despite the influx of tourists in the summer, business in the winter months is extremely slow, Fairthorne said.
"You go from having the amount of customers you might have in a whole day in the summer to taking that in a whole month in winter. That's how extreme tourism is around here. We are getting more people in Cowes on weekends but during the week it's very quiet."
Island Style stocks an extensive range of women's clothing and swimwear. Marco Polo, Ping Pong, Yarra Trail and Seafolly are among the store's top selling labels. A variety of beach bags, sun hats and shell jewellery is also available.



LOCATION: 140 km south of Melbourne.
POPULATION: 3,500.
ATTRACTIONS: Penguin parade, wildlife parks, sheltered beaches and Australian motorcycle grand prix.
STORES: The Male Centre, Island Style.
BRANDS: Breakaway, Gloweave, Gaz Man, Yarra Trail, Levis, Lee Riders, Marco Polo, Ping Pong, Seafolly and Sunseeker.