Inspired by other collective stores along the Far South Coast, late last year Renee Dunne invited like-minded locals to join her in running a co-operative in Eden.
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"I thought they were a great idea and that our little town could do with something like this," Ms Dunne said.
Soul Collective recently added two more businesses to the existing six, each sharing overheads and shop management.
Ms Dunne explained the goal of bringing together multiple businesses in one store would help provide more variety to the area, as well as give an opportunity to smaller businesses to sell their products without the challenges that owning a shop can pose to individuals.
"We have some amazing local markets around and this is a great opportunity for the small businesses to showcase their products on a daily basis," said Ms Dunne.
The store has been open since the beginning of the summer holidays and according to Ms Dunne they have been off to a good start.
"The feedback from customers is continuously positive and it is a credit to the great products provided by the businesses in store" she said.
Ms Dunne's goal in creating the collective store is to offer creative individuals a space to showcase their products locally.
Three other businesses that employ a similar concept are The Bega Valley Market Place in Bega, the Pambula Pop Up Collective, and The Essence in Merimbula.
Soul Collective aims to continue to expand and small businesses in the area are welcome to express an interest.
"I would still love businesses to approach me so I know when we can fill a bigger space," she said.
Most products in store have an ethical or eco-friendly element, in line with the store owner's ethos, but Ms Dunne is open to any retail products that fill a gap in our local market.
Businesses showcased in the collective store are: That Eco Store, Wild and Whimsy Design & Tinkerfolk, Smart Arts Merimbula, Hraani Spirit, The Essential Addition, Evie Lou handmade macrame wall hangings, and Yaringa.
"It's a win-win. So far it has worked and is going really smoothly for us. We plan to keep things fresh and make it affordable," Ms Dunn said.
The store is located in the arcade near the IMB bank, on Imlay Street and is open seven days per week: Monday - Friday, 9.30 - 5.30 and Saturday and Sunday, 9.30 - 3.00pm
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