Visiting the Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar is more than a market, it is a trip down memory lane.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bazaar manager Jane Goodrich said it had been embraced by visitors from Melbourne, Bendigo, regional Victoria and local shoppers.
"We get a lot of visitors coming regularly to look for that special item that they collect and also for a trip down memory lane. It is lovely seeing the look on people’s faces when they spot the storybook of their childhood or the egg beater that they used when baking cakes with their grandmother.”
“There’s an appeal to have well-made, long lasting items. People are putting high value on things that are well made, now things don’t last very long but we have items at the bazaar that are over 100 years old.”
”Castlemaine is full of clever crafty people and we have a handmade section featuring locally produced art, ceramics, jewellery, books, clothing and even bird houses.”
RELATED: The Mill is going full steam ahead
The bazaar is located in the old Castlemaine Woollen Mill which was established in 1875 and has multiple precincts that make up the venue’s new name, The Mill.
There are over 100 stallholders that constantly source new treasures to ensure there are always new items on display.
”Stallholders travel far and wide to source special items. Hayley from Deerfield Vintage (stall within the bazaar) travels to the United States each year, visiting California and other flea market locations to source unique dresses and clothing.”
“People might collect a particular item and they will come into the bazaar and search through to try and find what they’re looking for.”
The bazaar has experienced a surge in sales, bucking retail trends with a 48 per cent increase during December 2017 in comparison to the same time in 2016.
The Mill has a food precinct which includes a coffee roaster, wine maker, smallgoods, ice-cream, a bakery and a brewery.
The artisan precinct showcases cabinet and furniture makers, and metal craftsmen.
The Mill is located opposite the botanic gardens at 1-9 Walker St, Castlemaine.