Positive news leads boutique to reopen

A Collie boutique has become one of the first South West stores impacted by the coronavirus to reopen.

Toscas Boutique opened its doors to the public again on Monday after owner Greta Maloney made the difficult decision to close at the start of the month.

“We closed just as the curve was going up and before all the regional and State closures,” she said.

Ms Maloney says her background as a nurse helped her make the decision based on health, as much as business.

“The message at the time was ‘stay home’ so by staying open, I felt we were encouraging people to go against that advice.”

The boutique continued to maintain online sales throughout the closure, enforcing strict hygiene measures, and Ms Maloney conducted one-on-one fittings for customers where necessary.

The decision to reopen was made over the weekend as the South West received news there were no active cases in the region.

“With the curve flattening and the fact there were no cases here we felt it was time to reopen,” Ms Maloney said.

“The weather is changing and people are wanting jumpers and other basics.

“It was becoming a bit of an essential because there is nowhere else for them to go and they’re not really meant to be going into Bunbury.”

The store is open for reduced hours from 10am to 2pm.