Funky vintage and collectables at Melton’s raeraeVintay
A love of vintage and collectables has brought a funky vintage and collectables store to Melton.
It’s a first for raeraeVintay proprietor Rachel Robertson, who recently sold her successful real estate business in search of a better life/work balance.
“My daughters and I love vintage, and collectables and I had an opportunity after the sale of a previous business to do something I really loved so I took it,” Rachel says.
“I was also searching for a better work life balance and needed to get back out into the world after Covid.
“I was fortunate that during covid I was able to work from home, but it was a catch 22 as I did start to feel a bit isolated.”
She also felt that in Melton she might have an ideal fit for the new venture.
“There’s no other funky vintage and collectable stores in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. We always had to travel a fair distance to go shopping in a similar style store.
“Melton is rapidly growing and with it the demographic. We are hopeful that we are the right fit for the area and that the locals will support us.
“I live here, and I wanted to create a job for myself locally and if all goes well, be able to provide employment opportunities for my children... if they are interested of course. One of them is already working in the store one day a week.”
The business opened just two months ago, but Rachel is already eyeing the future.
“We are always changing and evolving with new stall holders joining us. Stall holders regularly visit and restock and change up their spaces so there is always something new and interesting to see.
“We just got Afterpay which is great for our customers.
“We are working on improving our front window space area to give it more of a WOW factor - watch this space!”.
In planning the shop layout, Rachel says she wanted to create a space that made her customers feel welcome, excited and wanting to come back.
“This will always be at the forefront of our minds. We want a business that’s viable but also full of positive energy. A little nostalgic escape from reality.
“We were also lucky enough to be visited by some contestants and crew members from the upcoming season of The Block. They did film inside the store and did a bit of shopping, this created a bit of a buzz and we are looking forward to it airing.”
Currently raeraeVintay is open 7 days a week, 11am to 5pm, but that could soon see changes too.
“As we head into spring, we will have extended opening hours on Thursday and Friday evenings, Rachel said.
“The shop has a lovely vibe at night when it’s all lit up. We are definitely looking forward to the warmer weather.”
Visit raeraeVintay at 1/2 Norton Drive, Melton or learn more at the store website.