By Casey Neill
Wallara’s Dandenong Plaza shop has a new look, new products and new festive-season hours.
“The change in decor is in response to us listening to what our clients want,” spokeswoman Karen Scholey said.
“The clients who work in the shop are younger groups and they wanted the shop to reflect that.
“They wanted to work in a shop where they would want to do their own shopping – somewhere more hip, with a great vibe not just for customers but for them too.”
The pop-up store opened its doors in June 2014 to showcase what people with disabilities could do.
“We’re extremely grateful to RetPro, the owners of the Plaza, who have generously provided this space free of charge,” Ms Scholey said.
“All proceeds from the shop assist with the development of training and education programs for people with different abilities.”
The shop stocks products that its service users make; promotes the Dandenong-based organisation’s support services, events and activities; and provides a space for employment training.
“We also had more groups around the service telling us about the fantastic items they were making and they wanted the opportunity to see their things on the shelves of the shop,” Ms Scholey said.
“So we’ve increased the range of items handmade by our clients: soy candles, jewellery, bath bombs and salts, dog biscuits and beautiful cards.
“There’s also more stock to complement those handmade items so it’s now a fantastic one-stop-shop to find gifts to suit everyone.”
The shop is normally open from 10am to 2pm but from now until Christmas will also open on weekends – from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and 10am to 3pm on Sundays.
“We’re also looking for volunteers to help us extend the hours during the week,” Ms Scholey said.
Anyone interested in volunteering can call Janine Burns on 9767 3357.
