Gympie’s kitchenware haven Skeeter + Co supporting local brands

Skeeter + Co is redefining local shopping by transitioning from camping gear to kitchenware, delicious gelato and coffee.

Owner of Skeeter + Co., Amy Sparreboom (middle), and two of some of the best barista’s in town, Samantha Vallis (left) and Summah Harrison (right).

Skeeter + Co on Hyne Street is a revamped Gympie business that’s transforming while staying true to its community roots.

Owner Amy Sparreboom has a deep connection to the area, being part of a family that has called Gympie home for six generations.

With a strong local bond, Mrs Sparreboom has steered Skeeter + Co through challenges and changes to better serve the town she loves.

Amy first worked at the original business in 1998 and took over in 2017, continuing a family legacy.

Initially focused on camping gear, the store transitioned to kitchenware as industry changes made it difficult for independent camping retailers to thrive.

Owner of Skeeter + Co, Amy Sparreboom (middle), and two of some of the best barista’s in town, Samantha Vallis (left) and Summah Harrison (right).

“We’ve always dabbled in kitchen stuff, and it just made sense to keep expanding it,” Amy says.

The showroom is currently undergoing a transformation with a clearance sale to make space for more Australian clothing brands and timeless homeware products.

From bread-making essentials to cast iron cookware, Skeeter + Co stands out by offering high-quality, long-lasting items that complement the nearby chain stores rather than competing with them.

Mrs Sparreboom’s commitment to local values is reflected in the products she stocks, including brands like Bamboo Textiles and Bovine Belts, which champions Gympie’s manufacturing industry.

Mrs Sparreboom’s commitment to local values is reflected in the products she stocks, including brands like Bamboo Textiles and Bovine Belts, which champions Gympie’s manufacturing industry.

“If you can give people the option to buy Australian, it’s worth it,” she explains.

The café within Skeeter + Co is another standout feature, offering “real milk” ice-cream and gelato, milkshakes and thick-shakes, as well as coffee that Mrs Sparreboom recommends as a must-try for first-time visitors.

“The look on kids’ faces when they see the ice cream display is one of the most rewarding parts,” Mrs Sparreboom said.

Running a business hasn’t been without its challenges, but Mrs Sparreboom has navigated them with resilience and a focus on community.

“The look on kids’ faces when they see the ice cream display is one of the most rewarding parts,” Mrs Sparreboom shares.

From working closely with the local council, to embracing local expertise for the store’s commercial kitchen design, she has leaned on local professionals to overcome hurdles.

As Skeeter + Co evolves, Amy hopes the business will find a new owner to take it to the next level.

“We need more independent food places,” she says, envisioning a future where the space continues to champion local products and support small businesses.

Though Mrs Sparreboom has listed the business for sale, her passion for Skeeter + Co remains clear.

“It’s bigger than it looks from the outside,” she laughs, noting how often visitors are surprised by the size of the shop and range of offerings.

“It’s bigger than it looks from the outside,” she said, noting how often visitors were surprised by the size of the shop and range of offerings.

For Mrs Sparreboom, the journey has been one of adapting to change while staying true to her values.

As she looks ahead, she hopes Gympie continues to support its independent businesses.

“Even if you’re not buying something, just walking into a shop that catches your eye can make a difference.”

Originally published as Gympie’s kitchenware haven Skeeter + Co supporting local brands