Locals supporting locals has kept The Collective Beat going through lockdown.
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Owner and managing director Sheree Bailey said the community spirit has helped more than 70 small local businesses, makers and creators housed within The Collective Beat's four indoor marketplaces thrive during COVID-19.
Ms Bailey said The Collective Beat adapted to lockdown by creating an online marketplace, and offering click & collect services for locals at all four locations including the The Mill Marketplace in the Jindyandy Mill precinct at Pyree near Nowra. The other locations are Kiama, Gerringong and Huskisson.
She said October 11 was a particularly special time to reopen with the Kiama store preparing to mark its fifth birthday on October 30.
Ms Bailey said it was an opportunity to celebrate locals who have embraced the indoor marketplace over the last five years and supported all the businesses during lockdown.
"It was so heartwarming to have our locals pop their heads in to offer kind words, and check how we were doing. This community spirit has really kept us going," she said.
The Collective Beat was established in 2015 and is home to artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs. It is open from 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday to provide a permanent, indoor marketplace for small businesses to grow without the usual retail overheads and responsibilities associated with a standalone store.
The Illawarra Mercury news app is now officially live on both iOS and Android devices. It is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
