What's Selling
The women of Australind just can't get enough of dresses. Or so say Belladonna's Toni Panuccio and Australind Village Fashion's Mary Edmonds. The two retailers reckon that over the last six months, frocks of all shapes and sizes have been "flying out the door."
An sturdy shopkeeper of some sixteen years, Edmonds says that demand for dresses in the area has never waned.
"This has been one of our best summers yet with dresses. We've got all different age groups living in this area, retired, young, middle-age, and dresses just seem to suit everyone."
Alongside a formidable collection of frocks and accessories by the likes of Martini and Beach Bum, Edmonds also stocks surfwear labels Seafolly and Voodoo Dolls ? all top sellers.
She says the key to getting stock off shelves and into shopping bags is catering for each and every individual in Australind.
"We're growing very rapidly, the population has grown a lot since I started sixteen years ago so I've tried to keep up with what?s popular and what's not."
For Panuccio, this population spurt has also meant ramping up her own store offerings. Since buying the business some eight months ago, the young retailer has introduced a label exclusive to the store ? Cherry ? and launched her own clothing line.
While the line is still in its early stages, Panuccio says she has been inundated with interest from locals.
"Mothers here love to dress up," she explains. "It might be a small, quiet town but people here still love to keep up with all the fashions."
And although Panuccio admits the neighbouring chain stores of Bunbury provide some stiff competition, she still believes residents are committed to supporting local boutiques.
"I think it just gives everyone an opportunity to shop in their own town. The chain stores might be cheaper but we're more convenient and friendly."
Lowdown
Location: 163 km south west of Perth
Population: 7500
Stores: Australind Village Fashion, Belladonna
Brands:Seafolly, Voodoo Dolls, Beach Bum, Martini, Cherry.