Pop-up space for multicultural shop

FOLLOWING the closure of their Bridge Mall-based store in April, the team behind African retailer Women of the Well have found a temporary place to call home.

The group made up of the business owners of Mat Tetni, Martha Crotchet Creative, and A Tuk have set up shop at what is set to be Accent Framing and Fine Art’s new store at 74 Bridge Mall.

Using the space as a pop-up destination while the owners relocate from 421 Sturt Street, Women of the Well co-owner Mary Top said it’s incredible to have a brick-and-mortar location again.

“The shop used to be owned by Linen and Living, and when we moved from our previous space, the owner Shane said we could bring our stuff into the building because they were about to close,” she said.

“[Accent Framing and Fine Art] were so generous and they agreed to let us stay during their transition. We started setting up about three weeks ago and started trading late last month.

“It’s not a contract but goodwill, and letting people know we’re still around. We’re not gone yet.”

Women of the Well’s owners opened their store at 66 Bridge Mall in August last year under the Ballarat Evolve initiative, which pairs businesses and creatives with vacant storefronts, and were forced to close when full commercial renters were handed the keys.

Ms Top estimated Women of the Well will be using the 74 Bridge Mall location until the end of August.

“We’re very happy with this opportunity but at the same time we’re frustrated,” she said. “We feel we’re offering something that’s needed for Ballarat and the community.

“People have been saying to us, ‘we’re glad you’re back in the mall,’ and the shop looks even better than our old building.

“We have more space, and shelves Linen and Living have left behind for us, but it’s not going to be long before we have to pack up again.”

Ms Top said Women of the Well’s owners will continue looking for a permanent set-up through Ballarat Evolve.

Trading hours are from Thursdays to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.