General News
25 January, 2024
Dimboola's new clothing store open for trade
Chris Hilder and Alethea Flodin (Olly) have given what was Harris Mensland Dimboola a new lease on life, settling into life in their new home town and opening their store, Dimboola Trading Co, for business.
Chris Hilder and Alethea Flodin (Olly) have given what was Harris Mensland Dimboola a new lease on life, settling into life in their new home town and opening their store, Dimboola Trading Co, for business.
But it would be rude to forget about Dipper, the couple’s miniature schnauzer who frequents the shop and appears on all of the store’s branding.
The new owners from Adelaide decided they wanted a change of scenery, and they don’t come from a background in retail.
Ms Flodin worked in wine production and was involved in everything from bottling to export, logistics and sales.
Mr Hilder’s expertise lay in media and TV, being a cameraman for news for 25 years, and operating a business in production for close to 18 years.
Their plan was initially to find a country pub to buy and run.
“We found Dimboola, and we stayed at the pub and thought it was amazing,” Mr Hilder said.
While spending the day exploring the town, the couple met John, the owner of Mensland Dimboola, who after 29 years was looking to sell.
“We thought he was joking, but thought: ‘yeah, we don’t know anything about clothes, but we wear them.’
“We thought we would make a few mistakes of our own and have a go.”
Mr Hilder said Dimboola is moving ahead, made mention of the caravan park, General Store and local pub as being particularly vibrant, and said the couple are keen to be part of.
“Everyone here is really positive and welcoming,” Ms Flodin said.
“That was the type of community we really wanted to be a part of, and that is what we were missing in the city.
“We did corporate jobs and our hours were long, and we wanted to get something better out of life.
“Now we have found this community.”
After moving to Dimboola in September last year, and taking over the shop in October, the couple have hit the ground running and are absorbing new knowledge about their business.
“It’s been a bigger learning curve than expected,” Mr Hilder said.
“There was a lot of stock to move out, and we needed to understand what we did and didn’t need.
In the meantime, Mr Hilder and Ms Flodin are adding their own edge and quirkiness to the business, and feel it is working, noting there is a steady stream of locals floating through the store - both old customers and new.
“There is definitely an older community here, and it is about servicing that but also bringing in something a bit fresher,” Mr Hilder said.
“We’ve also taken the shop from a “Mensland” store to having kids and ladies stuff, and we are going to bring in a few brands of our own.”
The couple said one of the most favourite and inspiring things about their new venture is the customers, and hearing about all the stories and talent within the region.
“There was an amazing gentleman that came in to buy a jumper,” Mr Hilder said
“He was 90, and I told him if he gets to 100, he can have a free one.”