What's Selling In Lennox Head, NSW

GG Low - just GG to friends and customers - describes Lennox Head as the "boutique version" of Ballina, a neighbouring town centred on an island at the mouth of the Richmond River.

"Ballina's like the Westfield of this area," the Azahar boutique owner says, pointing out that a new shopping centre just opened there late last year. "Lennox [Heads] is more like a surfing community with lots of little stores and restaurants."
Low, who opened her boutique with business partner Jodie Love just two months ago, says well-priced brands such as Sunny Girl, Red Berry, Kiik and Le Specs go down well with the area's relaxed lifestyle. Throw in a few skateboards, knicker brands, accessories and fresh blooms and you've got a hit on your hands, Low adds.

"We like the fact that someone can walk into our store and walk away with everything from a new bra to roller skates. It's a beach lifestyle store that reflects who Jodie and I are."

In fact, Jodie is preparing to launch her own accessory brand in Azahar as early as next month. Manufactured in Sydney, the first collection will include clutches from $60 and larger totes at $200. The bags will be exclusively stocked at the boutique, before branching out into other markets across Australia.

"In the long term, we want to have as many of our own products stocked here," Low says, adding that she's working on her own skatewear label for release in the near future. 

Clementines at Lennox boutique owner Barbara Browning is working on a project of her own - albeit on the other side of the fence. After 14 years of trading in Lennox Heads, selling brands such as Black Apple and Caldo, Browing is planning to close up shop and focus on her Ballina operation instead.

Citing ill health as the reason behind her move, Browning says while it will offer her some respite from running two businesses, it will be by no means an easy transition.

"The Ballina business is closer to home but it's also closer to the big shopping centre which has got us a little worried."
Stocking brands such as Yarra Trail and Ping Pong, Browing is confident faithful customers will stay true to the boutique, which has been operating in Ballina for five years.

"We've got something for every woman - mature age and full figured," she says. "It's the better store."
 

Lowdown
Location: 765km north of Sydney
Population:6200
Stores:Azahar, Clementines at Lennox
Brands:Le Specs, Sunny Girl, Red Cherry, Black Apple, Caldo