High Street shop helps locals lasso a cowboy lifestyle

AFTER retiring, Jenny Gawne soon became bored and wanted something to fill her days.

She volunteered at the Heathcote Visitor Centre and as her confidence increased, she decided to open her own shop.

“You lose confidence when you aren’t doing anything so being at the visitor centre was good, but I just wanted to do something else,” she said.

“In 2014, my husband and I bought the Shell service station in High Street.

“At first, we continued selling fuel, but it involved long hours.

“I began to build up stock of western and country themed items and eventually stopped selling fuel.

“We previously ran a business importing and selling American vehicles and through some of those contacts we sourced items for the store.

“We called it Jennys Western & Country Life Style.”

The store is filled with a variety of items, many with a western or Mexican theme, as well as vintage, retro items and giftware.

Stock ranges from cowboy boots to high heels, teddy bears to metal garden art, which customers can browse in search of treasures.

“Some of the stock is imported and I also work with local wholesalers,” said Ms Gawne.

“Fun signs for man caves are consistent best sellers, but I never really know what will sell on any particular day.

“Every customer has different tastes and needs.

“Sometimes they are looking for special gifts, at other times things for their own homes.

“I try to keep a wide variety of items so there is always something for everyone.

“Customer favourites are western boots, shirts, buckles and belts, dream catchers, Indian porcelain dolls and Mexican items.”

Ms Gawne said that one of the best things about running the shop is chatting to visitors.

“I meet some really lovely people,” she said.

“There are locals who call in regularly and lots of travellers passing through the town or staying in the area.”

Jennys Western & Country Life Style is open Friday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm at 90 High Street, Heathcote.