Orange City Council: Small businesses get shopfront experience in retail pods

A council in the state’s west has been giving local businesses pop-up opportunities before the commitment of a shopfront. Here’s what local businesses have to say about it.

VM Cosmetic Clinic owner Vanessa Merchan. Photo: Orange City Council.

Startup businesses in the state’s west have the opportunity to experience what it's like working in a shopfront before committing to a Brick and Moter store.

Installed curbside in McNamara St in Orange in 2021, the retail pods are two-converted shipping containers offering home-based, part-time and farming businesses an opportunity to experience a short-term pop-up store in the central business district.

Establishing her business in a year and a half ago by visiting her friends and family’s homes, VM Cosmetic Clinic owner Vanessa Merchan is growing her clientele from the shopfront.

“I started three weeks ago here but am already gaining new clients, I have one coming in on Wednesday and one on Saturday - it’s not just family and friends anymore,” Ms Merchan said.

VM Cosmetic Clinic owner Vanessa Merchan's retail pod. Photo: Orange City Council.

The beauty clinic offers a range of services, including anti-wrinkle injections, fillers, micro needling, cosmetic tattooing and others.

“I can see myself growing here - it’s quite good,” she said.

The pods were an initiative by Orange City Council and are managed by Central West Business HQ who provide complimentary business and marketing services to startups in the containers.

Business advisor Rob Drage said the pods are available to rent with a minimum of three months to a maximum of six months, designed to provide the chance for startups to explore face-to-face retail.

He said the $200 weekly rent covers both water and electricity and provides access to business advice through the company.

Business HQ advisor Rob Drage. Photo: Supplied.

“Since we’ve started, we have had handcrafted homewares, pot plant shops, shaved ice treats during summer and now we have makeup and beauty,” Mr Drage said.

“There’s been really interesting outcomes for people who ran the businesses - some people gain from the exposure whereas others prefer selling products online.”

Dubbo Regional Council economic development team leader Tim Nichols said the team have considered the concept for Dubbo and Wellington areas, saying it is a “good idea which seems to be working well for Orange”.

Mr Nichols noted there is a pop-up store opportunity for small or start-up businesses to work within the Dubbo Airport precinct.

Council is currently taking expressions of interest for the pop-up store.