After nine years in Kiama, The Collective Beat at 100 Terralong Street has been given notice to vacate its premises. This unfortunate development will impact 45 local small businesses and 10 dedicated employees. 

The Collective Beat is owned and directed by Sheree Bailey, and the store is a vibrant addition to Kiama that attracts locals and tourists, fostering a huge community presence that is based on ‘locals supporting locals’.

The small businesses that have thrived within the store include local mums, dads, grandparents, artists, photographers, makers, and creators, with their trade directly benefiting the local economy. The effects of this closure will be felt by the majority of the store’s employees who are residents of Kiama, Gerringong, Jamberoo, and Shellharbour. 

“We really want to thank everyone for their support and the connections over the years both in the community and other businesses in town,” says Sheree. 

“It was always meant to be a six-week pop-up store, so that’s where it started, and it turned into nine years and we’re honoured to have had so many incredible years.” 

Before closing its doors, The Collective Beat will host a celebration event at the store on Saturday 8 February to honour its incredible journey and many memories they have created over the years. The event, named ‘The End of an Era’, will serve as a thank you to the community and bring together locals, creative owners, and employees. 

Although this marks the end of The Collective Beat’s time in Kiama, the community can still support local makers through its stores in Gerringong, Berry, Huskisson, and Milton. The community is encouraged to keep supporting these small businesses and talented local creators. 

“From Kiama we’ve expanded to four other locations over the last five years, Kiama was so appreciative, it made us want to open other local shops,” Sheree says. 

Sheree remains hopeful about finding a new space in Kiama to host The Collective Beat once again and restore its presence in the town.

The Collective Beat thanks the community for its constant support over the years, emphasising that while this is the end of an era, it is not the end of their story.

Event details can be found on their Facebook page.