By JESSE GRAHAM
A MYRIAD of exotic and international products are just a short walk away in Healesville, with a range of stores providing unique items and gifts for those willing to look hard enough.
Situated at the end of Healesville’s main shopping strip are Fairly Cambodian, Mekong River Trading Company and Treasures of Istanbul.
The three stores all boast varied and unique products on their shelves, with items such as jewellery, boxes, paintings, lights, stationary, clothing and dining sets available for browsers.
Fairy Cambodian aims to provide a marketing place for fairly and ethically produced products made by the Khmer people in Cambodia.
From recycled notepads made with elephant dung and recycled spoons made from bomb-metal, to clothing and a wide range of other products, Fairly Cambodian provides conscionable shopping opportunities for a good cause.
Meanwhile, Mekong River Trading Company, which is on the corner of Church Street and main street, offers hand-made Vietnamese items such as lacquer wear boxes, silks, furniture, dining sets and paintings.
John Beeston, who runs the shop with his wife Olga Szymiczek said the shop’s bamboo clothing was a top-selling item for visitors and that the shop had been successful since opening in August last year.
Treasures of Istanbul is located further up the road and focuses specifically on Turkish goods, with owners Ibrahim Durmus and Karyn Hunter behind the helm.
The shop originally began in Olinda, with the Healesville shop opening in the start of November.
Ms Hunter said the shop has been well supported by locals and visitors who have taken to walking further up the main road to browse their wares.
She said that the shop has many items, from jewellery to rugs, but that the specially-made Turkish lights in the store were in high demand.
For more information on Fairly Cambodian, visit www.fairlycambodian.com, call 5962 1112 or visit Shop 2/222 Maroondah Highway, Healesville.
For more information on Treasures of Istanbul, visit www.trasuresofistanbul.com.au, call 9751 1406 or visit 200/202 Maroondah Highway.
For more information on Mekong River Trading Company, visit www.mekongrivertradingcompany.com.au, call 5962 6729 or visit Shop 1/222 Maroondah Highway.
