Big Dreams: Small Business Defying the Odds on the World’s Coolest Street.
Melbourne, September 2024 — Amidst mounting pressure from government policies and compliance changes seemingly designed to squeeze out small businesses in favor of multinational giants, Big Dreams located on High Street, Northcote—recently crowned the "Coolest Street in the World" by *Time Out New York*—stands strong. But why has Big Dreams survived where many others have not?
Our secret? It’s simple: unwavering dedication to our community, a vast choice of quality goods, and a defiant spirit led by our owner Mary combined with big risks.
Since its inception, Big Dreams has focused on offering locals and visitors products that can’t be found in chain stores. From beautifully hand-knitted pieces by local artisans to high-end international items including toys, clothing & shoes. Our shelves (both in-store and online) reflect a carefully curated selection that emphasizes quality, originality, and ethics.
Our Survival During Challenging Times
Unlike many, we did not blindly follow government directions during the Covid-19 pandemic. With solid legal advice, we chose to protect our community, respecting privacy laws and refusing to ask for vaccination statuses, all while ensuring our staff and customers felt safe and supported. This approach wasn’t easy—it came with threats from the Victorian state government—but our commitment to doing the right thing won us the trust of our community.
Why Customers Keep Coming Back
1. Unmatched Variety: We stock products that can’t be found in big-box stores, from local designers and makers to handpicked international brands.
2. Inspiring Window Displays: Our storefront draws admiration from passersby, showcasing creativity and the care we put into every product we offer.
3. Exceptional Staff: Our knowledgeable team is always on hand, ready to assist with product information and provide the personal touch that can’t be replicated by multinational corporations.
4. Community Support: We believe in giving back, regularly donating to school and club fundraisers. Big Dreams isn’t just a store—it’s part of the fabric of Northcote, supporting local causes that matter.
Standing Strong for Independent Retail
As pressure mounts on small businesses to compete with big corporations, Big Dreams continues to thrive because we’ve never compromised on quality, integrity, or our values. Our street was cool long before Time Out said so, and we intend to keep it that way by continuing to serve locals and visitors alike with an unmatched selection of goods and a spirit of resilience.
For more information about our store or collaboration contact:
Mary Thomaidis
Big Dreams Kids
267 High Street, Northcote VIC
mary@agent88.com.au