Lovers of local creations have breathed a collective sigh of relief with one of Kiama’s favourite businesses finding a new home.

The Collective Kiama, a champion of the town’s creative community for almost a decade, announced it would be closing its doors last month after its Terralong St lease was not renewed. But in an eleventh hour reprieve, owner Sheree Bailey secured a new space in the former House2Home building on Collins St.

In what has been a whirlwind set up Ms Bailey, her partner, staff members, family and friends had less than two weeks to prepare the new space for its grand opening on Saturday, March 1 from 10am-4pm. The event will feature music by Mark Crotti, iced chocolates from the Kiama Chocolate Company and dog gelato and pupcakes from The Flying Dog n Co. Creations from more than 35 local artists, traders, innovators and designers will be on sale.

“We were devastated when we were told our lease wouldn't be renewed and we had 30 days to vacate the old premises,” says Ms Bailey. “There were lots of tears, from us and the community. But I always felt an opportunity would come up and it did, we are the queens of pop-ups and we are back.” 

The Collective Kiama first opened nine years ago as a six-week temporary indoor market in what is now the Cedar on Collins building. The business thrived and moved to Terralong St, existing on a month-to-month lease, before opening again this weekend next door to its original home.

Ms Bailey says the Kiama Collective not only sells products that are “locally made, unique and special to the town” but also provides business mentoring to stall holders.

“The Collective is a stepping stone for businesses that are in between that market and retail space,” she says. “Many owners haven’t run their own businesses before, they are hobbyists, creators so we help them with the retail knowledge side of things. Quite a few have gone on to open their own shop front.

“It’s all about being a part of the community. The people that trade with us are local mums, dads, grandmothers, artists, photographers, makers and creators and it all goes back into the local economy.”

The Collective also has shopfronts in Gerringong, Huskisson and Milton, along with the original Kiama store, now at 2/35 Collins St.

The facebook link for the reopening is: https://www.facebook.com/share/166HFZhRkh/