General News
26 March, 2025
Vintage shop going strong
After six months of intense renovations, That Little Vintage Shop has settled in to its new home in Dimboola quite nicely since officially opening in late January.
Owners Deb Howlett and Mark Gebgardt said the shop has been doing "really well" as they finished their sixth weekend of trading.
"It's been really good – can't complain," Ms Howlett said.
"We've had a great response from the community."
Ms Howlett said she thought they might encounter some push-back from locals due to taking over the site of Kath Porter's Emporium, a staple in the community before it closed down.
"We didn't get any of that and no negative feedback at all," she said.
Opening day was a success, many travelling from far and wide to support the business.
"We've had people from Bordertown and Hamilton come to visit," she said.
The couple have already built a following after previously renting shop spaces in South Australia and Tasmania, as well as operating the five Etsy stores Ms Howlett has.
"It will take some time to get the word out that we're here and open," she said.
"Hopefully within the next month or so."
The couple still need to install the department signs inside to complete the feel of being a vintage department store.
Ms Howlett refreshes all three shop windows on the first of every month.
"I'll keep up to date on what's going on – sometimes I do colours or seasons," she said.
This month has seen her colour-co-ordinated pairing of teal and turquoise become the centre of attention.
"It matches nicely with the paint on the outside," Ms Howlett said.
"Next month will be steampunk."
That Little Vintage Shop is open from Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, right in the main shopping precinct in Lloyd Street, Dimboola.