WHEN Kristen and Gerard Lowe saw empty premises in Mordialloc Main St the Parkdale couple took the opportunity to open up a pop-up shop to have some fun but also give something back to the community.
More than 30 youngsters, aged between 15 to 24, have gained paid work experience at Ged Head ice-cream shop over the summer months.
“We always liked the idea of having an ice-cream shop in Mordialloc and when we saw this empty shop right in the middle we couldn’t resist and then it evolved into a training facility,” Kristen said.
Ged Head, named after Gerard’s nickname, opened up just before Christmas and will close its doors for the final time as planned all along after Labour Day Monday (14 March).
“It’s fantastic to do it for a short time and the response we’ve had is amazing. It’s been quite overwhelming,” Kristen said.
“There’s been a great feeling of goodwill although people are pretty happy when they’re in an ice cream shop anyway.”
Some of the shop’s employees have gained jobs as a result of their work at Ged Head since they have had a real-life job and a referee for their CV.
Kristen says her three children have also enjoyed the pop-up shop.
“It’s been a good experience for them as well and it’s been pretty cool to go to school and say their parents have an ice cream shop.”
Husband Gerard has a life insurance business and is back at the work that pays the bills but Kristen would recommend any budding entrepreneurs or community-minded souls to open a pop-up shop.
“We’ll probably make a small loss at this stage but nothing too dramatic. We reckon if it’s cost us $20 a day over three months that’s OK.”
As for the shop’s future, neighbour Main Street Cafe plans to open an Asian fusion restaurant in a few months’ time.
No word yet if ice cream will also be on the menu.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 9 March 2016
