Retail activity livens up CBD

The Busselton CBD has enjoyed the opening of several new hospitality and retail stores over the past few weeks coinciding with the busy school holiday period.

Popular new stores in the CBD include Rip Curl, Merchant and Maker, and Burger Bones while the reopening of the Vasse Tavern has Queen Street busy with locals and visitors alike.

Rip Curl operations manager Ryan Callegari encouraged locals to check out the new-look store in the Hobsons precinct across from the Fire Station.

“Rip Curl is the biggest surf brand in the world and it’s Australian,” he said.

“It’s an exciting thing for Busselton to get its own Rip Curl store. It’s been a long time coming and we think the town is ready for it.

“It’s a great thing to happen in the CBD of Busselton and hopefully it will attract other like-minded businesses and tenants moving forward.”

Rip Curl opened on Friday and will hold an official opening celebration later in the year.

Successful Dunsborough cafe Merchant and Maker brings their inclusive cafe to Busselton sharing the lane with Shed market favourites Burger Bones, which has quickly become one of the regional city’s favourites.

Merchant and Maker co-owner Steve Mobson said love of the location led to an expansion of the boho family eatery.

“I’ve always loved the location, it’s a very unique space in the middle of a very busy town,” he said.

“It’s always been the go-to place, I love the atmosphere of both inside and outside.

“Initially, we were thinking copy and paste and this space has so much character, so if we can bring what works well in Dunsborough and fit it out well to create a great experience, with the courtyard, the ceiling and our great products and service, then we are confident people will come back to the CBD.”