Renegade Handmade announces their pop up as the Chamber of Commerce fights the decline of the CBD

A much-loved handmade store is taking up a short residency in the city as the Townsville Chamber of Commerce fights the CBD’s decline following criticisms from tourists and business owners.

A new pop-up shop is looking to add a splash of vibrancy to the CBD following criticisms from business owners about the unsightly state of the city.

The much-loved store Renegade Handmade will be opening on Flinders street on Monday as the Townsville Chamber of Commerce looks to create more opportunity for local businesses in the city centre.

This comes after concerns from cruise ship visitors and CBD business owners about the state of the CBD.

In 2025, 22 cruise ships are expected to arrive in Townsville bringing around 22,000 passengers and 11,500 crew.

A Viking Orion passenger from Shell Cove, Bob Koning, labelled it as verging on a “ghost town” in a letter to the editor in late 2024.

Queen Elizabeth at Townsville Port. Picture: Evan Morgan

Owner of the Pedlar Project cafe, Jordan Rio, labelled the state of the city as “vile” after he told the Bulletin about the harsh realities of being a business owner in the city and having to deal with constant break ins and thefts.

“I don’t feel like there’s much incentive for more businesses to start something here,” he said.

The Townsville Chamber of Commerce has been a leading voice in the fight against the CBD’s decline.

Their CEO, Heidi Turner, said she was thrilled to announce the Renegade Handmade pop up and hoped it would be just the start of a new era for the CBD that would bring with it energy and growth.

“We’re excited to announce that Renegade Handmade has opened a pop-up store in Northtown, located between Gecko and the pharmacy on Flinders Street,” she said.

“Renegade Handmade offers something truly unique to those visiting the city and locals alike. They exclusively support micro and independently run businesses, selling only Australian-made products — three-quarters of which are crafted right here in our region.”

Chamber of Commerce CEO Heidi Turner with owner of Renegade Handmade Karissa Chase at the Townsville CBD store

Owner of Renegade Handmade, Karissa Chase said she was grateful to the chamber for connecting the store with the landlord in Northtown and assisting in negotiations.

“It’s a great opportunity, and I’m looking forward to making it a success,” she said.

“Renegade Handmade is all about showcasing the incredible talent in our region. We’re excited to welcome both locals and visitors to discover the huge range of locally made creations we have to offer.”

Ms Turner said a store such as this was a perfect way to enhance the experience of visitors in Townsville.

“Flinders Street is at the historical heart of our community, and having vibrant businesses like Renegade Handmade open here is a step in the right direction,” she said.

Originally published as Renegade Handmade announces their pop up as the Chamber of Commerce fights the decline of the CBD