mmg.com.au

District shoppers and visitors over the Christmas holiday period have plenty of new places to visit in Heathcote.

Jodi Warren and Lyn Denison have joined forces and combined two ventures, Crystal Devas and Swirls Gifts and Décor, into one store.

The store features a range of giftware, homewares, jewellery, soft furnishings and wellbeing products including salt lamps, incense and scented candles.

Ms Denison has owned the property for a number of years and spent much of that time renovating it, but said she had been reluctant to open a shop on her own due to the demands of running a business alone.

‘‘It’s a lot of work and with family commitments, I thought it would be too much to manage on my own,’’ she said.

Jodi Warren was running her business, Swirls Gifts and Décor, from home and planning to launch a website when Ms Denison approached her to see if she was interested in buying some earrings.

‘‘I love my earrings, I always wear something different every day,’’ Ms Warren said.

‘‘Lyn asked me if I’d be interested in buying some from her and we started talking, and now here we are.’’

After shopping for goodies at Crystal Devas and Swirls, it’s only a short stroll across the road to the Heathcote Pharmacy, now operated by pharmacist Aaron Chor with partners Eric Sim and Jeff Ramsay.

Mr Chor said he was delighted to be running the town’s sole pharmacy.

‘‘It’s good to be in a country town,’’ he said.

‘‘The people are more friendly, more approachable, and they’re more likely to listen to the advice we give them.’’

As well as traditional pharmacy services and products, shoppers can also find a range of giftware, fashion jewellery and accessories, makeup and perfume.

Of course, shopping can be thirsty work so head north on High St towards the new Willow Room cafe at the Emeu Inn for some lunch and a cup of tea.

And don’t forget to stop in at the town’s new old style Lolly Shop to stock up on fuel such as boiled sweets, Dutch liquorice and Newman’s chocolates, because there’s still plenty more shopping to do.

Across the road from the Willow Room at 174 High St is Threads and Tangles, a new store stocking a large range of hand made quilts and patchwork products.

It also offers classes for those interested in taking up a new hobby in 2013.

Many residents will be planning to get out in the garden while they have time off, but before ripping into the landscaping they can visit Heathcote Garden Supplies on High St, formerly Heathcote Sand, Soil and Gravel.

Green thumbs can find one of Heathcote’s largest ranges of roses and a wide selection of pavers, gravels and soil products to help gardeners combat the district’s difficult growing conditions.

Heathcote Mitre 10 has also expanded its nursery section where gardeners can find a range of vegetable and herb seedlings, native trees and shrubs, and old favourites including camellias, cottage garden flowers and fruit trees, so those planning to give the garden a facelift can shop at home instead of travelling out of town.