Shepparton’s Maude St was inundated with shoppers on Friday and Saturday as Greater Shepparton City Council introduced two new concepts: the Fashion Street Walk and the Summer City Market.
Partnerships and marketing co-ordinator Liz Connick said council felt compelled to introduce something “fresh” because of the redevelopment of Maude St.
“The Bush Market was renamed the Summer City Market,” she said.
“We also wanted to take some of the in-store fashions, the new season’s fashions, to the street,” which led to the creation of the Fashion Street Walk, Ms Connick said.
Several local and amateur models volunteered their time to display the clothing Shepparton has on offer.
A model for Joe Paul Menswear, Mohamad Altakrite, said that while he was “a little bit nervous”, modelling was something he had always wanted to do.
“This is part of my dream,” he said.
Traffik model Hayley Noonan was also nervous but had “so much fun”.
Haley was wearing an outfit from Traffik, which she loved, and thought was “very cute”.
Modelling is one of Hayley’s passions, and she can see herself doing it in the future.
Traffik employee Katjana Tawhi said the market was amazing.
“We’ve been busy since we opened, we’ve had lots and lots of people,” she said.
“Everyone’s enjoying the sales, loving the day (and) the weather’s great.”
Ms Tawhi said that throughout the morning, the store had been consistently filled with patrons.
“We’ve probably had one pause during the day, but that’s about it,” she said.
She added that having more markets, such as the Summer City Market, would benefit the town, as they drove many people to the shops.
The market saw visitors from all over the region and different parts of the country.
Western Australian resident Shannon Hockey was among them.
“It’s all right, live music going, plenty of people getting around,” he said.
“Seems like a good day out.”
Ms Connick thanked the businesses and models for participating.
“Some people from our community have just volunteered their time,” she said.
She especially thanked Tina Mukasa, who did the modelling coaching sessions.
Ms Connick said she hoped the businesses and shoppers liked the concept.
“If we get some really great feedback then it could grow into, who knows, Shepparton’s Fashion Week,” she said.