Huggables are a stall on Salamanca on Saturdays that sells soft toys and gifts for kids, or adults alike! We love this stall and my wife would have one of everything there if she had the chance. We first met Rhonda Fibbens at the Autumn festival at New Norfolk, she was selling a few toys that she'd made herself at home in Geeveston. We got chatting and we let her know that we thought they were cute, awesome and all of the other superlatives that we could think of. As a matter of fact we didn't buy anything this time, but we did take a card. When we next had an occasion we were going to get one!
It wasn't too long until there was a baby in the family, in fact three at the same time! We immediately got in touch with Rhonda and went to her home where we could see a hive of sewing activity. She had all sorts of amazing designs and ideas that were yet to come out, needless to say we bought 4 Huggables there and then. She invited us to join her for a cup of coffee around her kitchen table and we enjoyed chatting about the business and where she wanted it to go.
A little later on we were at Salamanca and there she was, this time with even more amazing toys, designs and ideas. She was inundated with customers and was doing very well indeed. The items Rhonda makes are generally suitable for babies and are cut from a massive range of patterns and fabrics. They are hand stitched, stuffed and made with love. The stall is colourful and cheerful and Rhonda is really happy to talk about what is best suited/popular for different kids.
Its an amazing small Tasmanian business that is full of hard work, love and enterprise. Support local businesses - Huggables!
Elizabeth St Mall
Tasmania is quite well forgotten, and generally, that's just how Tasmanian's seem to like it. Tasmania will never be a hustling bustling place with overcrowded high-streets. Being from England, if you want to go shopping, seriously shopping, then pick another city, probably Melbourne or Sydney on your way over. Hobart does have shops but many of them cater for pastimes such as surf brands, hiking, camping and less so your mega-names of high fashion. Still, you can generally get what you're after.
The majority of the shopping areas are centered around the Elizabeth St Mall shown here but also extends into the Cat & Fiddle arcade and Centrepoint Shopping Centre but of course things tend to sprawl a bit too. There are likely more smaller boutique-y independent shops in Hobart than chain stores which is great for small businesses and there are unique things to be picked up all over town. Things tend to cost a bit more in Hobart than on the mainland as many things have to be shipped over Bass Straight to get to Tasmania but thats where local produce steps in to fill the void. Many local Tassie only things are made and sold in and around Hobart and for many, myself included, is a great chance to be part of the independent, local economy whilst at the same time purchasing something that is often handmade or quaint.
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