By Casey Neill
Mother and son Bella and Adrian Janai have spent a combined 60 years working at Dandenong Market.
Bella’s Bargains has been a fixture for the past 35 years, originally as a children’s wear retailer and now stocking clothing for the whole family.
“Gather ’round and have a look at our track pants…” Bella shouted during her interview with the Journal.
She explained that her brother introduced her to the market through his leathergoods store.
“I was here when they had the livestock outside,” Bella said.
“I used to enjoy going out and having a look at the sheep.
She helped him out for about five years before making her own mark.
“I enjoy talking to people and I enjoy being with people,” Bella said.
“I’ve seen children growing up. Some are teachers, at uni, being doctors…
“They come in and give me a kiss.
“It’s nice.
“I get flowers from parents sometimes.”
Adrian finished VCE and studied accounting for two years before choosing market life.
“Someone had to keep an eye on them!” he said.
“You meet people along the way. You have regular customers.
“We try to provide clothing for the community at a price they can afford.”
Adrian has seen the market grow and evolve over the years.
Its shoppers had also changed, he said.
He said many new migrants were used to shopping at markets in their homeland so they were drawn to Dandenong Market.
“It’s been around that long, it should be celebrated,” he said.
Dandenong Market 150th
Enjoy these other stories at the Journal celebrates 150 years of the Dandenong Market:
Birthday party in store
From livestock to market stalls
History captures moments in time
Fruit stall stays in the family
Stall selling is their stock in trade
