Newly opened, The HIVE has found a home at 1 Gillies St, Rochester, providing a space for local makers, artisans, creators and shoppers to enjoy.
The space acts as an indoor market, operating four days a week, Wednesday to Friday, from 9am to 3pm and Saturdays until 1pm.
Owner Milly Cain was delighted to open the store on Saturday, May 18.
“It was really lovely seeing everyone come down and support,” Ms Cain said.
“People were travelling from Western Australia and South Australia, getting something made in our town and taking home interstate with them.”
Their shelves are filled with items from local brands, featuring art, candles, jewellery, furniture, homewares, children's attire and accessories.
Foodies can enjoy their range of meat rubs, seasonings, slices and cakes too.
Ms Cain hand-picked the stockists from her favourite local businesses across Rochy, Echuca, Kyabram, and Bendigo.
“I’ve always been a fan of local creators,” she said.
“I chose businesses with a similar ethos to myself in terms of passion for locally made products.”
Some of the brands stocked are Rochester’s Made by Milly and Mick Makes Cakes, Echuca’s JD Woodcraft, Bendigo’s Taste Merchant and The Shamrock Leaf, and Lockington’s Kali Designer Collections.
“I’m always surprised at the talent in Rochy,” Ms Cain said.
“We have an amazing pool of talent for such a small town.”