The name Strathalbyn comes from two Gaelic words: 'strath' meaning broad valley and 'Albion' meaning hilly land. Thus the town's name describes its beautiful location. No wonder, Strathalbyn is said to be one of South Australia's prettiest towns, where history is part of the contemporary daily life.
Lots of heritage buildings still stand in the town's centre along Albyn Terrace and High Street the bulk of which are now occupied by cafes, galleries and craft shops.
This picturesque setting along the Angas River attracts many tourists to town. With an easy 45 minute drive from Adelaide, Strathalbyn on the Fleurieu Peninsula has cemented its reputation as a pleasant weekend getaway.
The numerous visitors not only shop for unusual antiques and handmade gifts, but also frequent the local boutiques among which Angas & Bremer caters for women from the age of 40. "We have got a number of tourists coming in, but we also have many local customers," says owner Belinda Croser, who stocks brands such as Black Pepper, Stitches, Cotton Connection, Reno, Jillian, Duchamp, Wrangler, Thomas Cook and Jersey Girl.
"We are currently selling quite a bit of chunky knitwear in grey as it can get really cold out here," she explains. While the knits retail for $90 to $140 the price is not a major concern for most of Croser's customers.
"My clients are first and foremost after good quality. One hundred per cent wool is very popular. They want something classic that lasts longer than one season."
With only one boutique catering for younger women and another store with more alternative clothes on offer Angas & Bremer can't complain about too much competition. At the same time Belinda Croser does not feel that close by Adelaide lures her customers away: "If you need something really dressy you would probably have to go to Adelaide, but pretty much everything else can be found locally," she says.
Fortunately, a small but nice variety applies for the local nightlife just as well - four pubs in the town's centre offer the possibility to flaunt your latest fashion buys.
Carolin Schoengarth
LOWDOWN
Location: 57 km south of Adelaide
Population: around 4,000
Brands: Black Pepper, Stitches, Cotton Connection, Reno, Jillian, Duchamp, Wrangler, Thomas Cook, Jersey Girl