Willow & Fli’s Tracie Finlay is still reeling after an explosion of sales during the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) National Rally last week.
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The Gunnedah boutique was a sponsor of the rally and attracted more than 300 visitors for its fashion parade and morning tea on Friday, with racks emptying at a rapid pace.
“From the minute the doors opened on [Friday], we were overwhelmed with the huge numbers that streamed in the doors,” Ms Finlay said.
“Sales went through the roof and the line to the cash register was a very long one, but the ladies where happy to stand in it.”
They purchased so much that Ms Finlay had to drive to Sydney on Sunday to replenish the store.
“Three-quarters of our stock was sold on that day,” she said.
“It was incredible. I absolutely loved it.”
Ms Finlay first met CMCA rally manager Paul Flynn in early March and decided to get on board with the event.
“Having kept in touch with the committee we formed a great friendship and went about organising the event to be held at the boutique with local models,” Ms Finlay said.
“The offer of home-cooked treats came in from all who wanted to be involved, our beautiful clients, our staff, family and friends. Our CMCA ladies loved the special touch of home cooking and this was a huge hit as it really reinforced the welcome to them.
“It was a team effort that made this day the most successful the boutique has ever held.”
It really is very hard to put into words what this did for us.
- Tracie Finlay, Willow & Fli
Ms Finlay said she still got “goosebumps” when she thought of the day.
“It really is very hard to put into words what this did for us,” she said.
“We were very grateful.”
Visitors who attended the parade made gold coin donations for drought-stricken farming families.
“It will be going to some of our local farmers who need a pick-me-up. We also received some beautiful fuel vouchers to add to the care packages from a local business man,” Ms Finlay said.
“This event really did touch everyone’s heart.”
Ms Finlay said the CMCA visitors had formed a great impression of Gunnedah.
“They have loved Gunnedah and will return for another visit,” she said.
“Each business that contributed would have benefited from their effort – I have no doubt about that as these beautiful visitors kept telling us that they wanted to contribute in any way they could to help our drought-stricken town.”
Ms Finlay said she was thankful to Gunnedah Shire Council for securing the event.
“It has been one of the most successful events the town has seen in a very long time,” she said.