Hosting pop-up shops could breathe new life into Bunbury, says council candidate

Hosting pop-up shops in empty buildings in Bunbury’s CBD could breathe new life into the region, a council candidate believes.

City of Bunbury candidate Julie Broad — who is a former CEO of the Bunbury-Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry — said it was important for the CBD to host unique pop-up stores to bring more tourism and vibrancy to the city.

“We can bring in people by bringing in interesting and unique shops, then the tourists can think, ‘I want to come to Bunbury to see the dolphins and see the beaches, but I have also heard the shopping is a highlight’,” she said.

“I think the tourism market here is underdeveloped. When tourists visits other major tourist regions like Margaret River, they head to the shops for local products.

“We could have stores with incredible high-end local crafts, stores that tourists actually want to come in, browse and buy because it is from the region.”

Ms Broad said it would also serve as a way for people to start their own business, or try out a physical retail space, without the heavy burden of committing to a long-term lease.

“It is a win for the person who wants to start the pop-up shop, too. To incubate the idea they have in a pop-up environment means that if it does not work, it will not be a financial burden on them,” she said.

“It is an opportunity for them to test the market with their idea, and there might be at least a 50 per cent chance that it could turn out to be something bigger.”

Ms Broad said the short-term stores would not hinder existing businesses, with the local touch points not competing with big chain stores.

She said she had spoken to local businesses who supported the idea.

“They were great supporters of the idea especially because it activates the CBD as the tourists coming in find the CBD now to be really quiet and empty,” Ms Broad said.

“If I am elected to the council, I will be an advocate for small local businesses — I could help the local businesses and this pop-up initiative would be a great way for that.

“I want to bring together all the stakeholders — land owners, aspiring business owners and realtors — to then discuss how we can work together to solve this problem together.”

Local government elections are on Saturday.