Rockhampton, Queensland
Fondly referred to as the "Rocky" by locals, Rockhampton houses a cluster of well-stocked boutiques and major chain outlets throughout its northern regions. The Rockhampton Shopping Fair - the largest shopping mall in the area - boasts over 100 stores and a megaplex cinema while a shopping strip along East Street features a string of smaller boutiques including Country Belle, Just You and Kathy Mac.
Just You boutique owner Mary Kane says the high concentration of shops in the area makes for a competitive business environment.
"The shopping centre is air-conditioned and sometimes people tend to spend the whole day there. But it can be good because people will come out and do the rounds. They walk from one end of the street to the other."
Stocking both casual and bridalwear labels, including Toronto, Young Edwardian and Henry Joseph, Kane says the key to a successful business in Rockhampton is versatility.
"The bridal business keeps us going when it's quiet at the retail end, and the retail end keeps us going when the bridal part is quiet. We used to have a shoe section but we decided to leave that to the shoe stores; the range is just too much."
Cooper Fashion's sales assistant Tara Murray agrees versatility is a key ingredient for success in Rockhampton. Offering brands such as Wish and Ben Sherman for younger consumers, the store also stocks George and Moss and Spy for the middle age demographic, as well as VSSP and Melapurdie for older customers.
"We think it's great because everyone can come in here and find something," she explains. "There aren't many places like ours at the Rocky, so it's good that we have an all in one store."
Siting race days as the key fashion events of the year, Murray believes the locals "know how to dress up for big events".
"It's not a booming party town but there's lots of nice shops, you just have to know where to find them," she adds