Chris AshtonIt’s long been said Byron Bay is built on the back of hospitality and retail (in recent times, at least). Though Rona has taken the wind from the sails of these industries, it won’t take long until the streets are lined with visitors and that distinct ‘Byron vibe’ is back once again.
In the meantime, there’s still a way to get your retail fix without sending dollars offshore.
Dr.Moose T-Shirts on Jonson Street is one of the longest running clothing stores in town. If you’ve ever walked down the street or stopped for a pie from the 23 hour bakery next, there’s an above average chance you’ve had a good laugh at the shirt designs in their window.
Opened by the Wall family in 1995, and now owned by Dale Warburton and Rachael Howat since 2016, it’s one of the country’s oldest and most loved custom t-shirt stores. They were the first shop in Australia to bring in iron-on transfers in the 90s, giving tourists and locals a chance to embrace their creativity and walk the streets in a design of their own making.
We asked Rachael and Dale to share a little about what they love about life in the Bay, and how people can help support their business until (and long after) life returns to normal.
What do you love most about being in Byron Bay?
We love Byron! Dale is a Byron Bay born and bred local and Rachael came here as a backpacker in 2007. We love the laid back, cruisy lifestyle. The wonderfully eclectic mix of travellers, locals, surfers, skaters, families and everything in between.
What are some things people may not know about Dr. Moose?
The number one thing that surprises customers when they come into our incredible little store is, we print custom shirts! We also print tote bags, stubby coolers, singlets, long sleeve and badges. Customers can bring their own image (email, USB, internet search) and print it usually within 10mins. Our storefront is closed, but we are still open for business online and posting every second day.
How can people support your business during this shutdown period?
They can email us their ideas/designs and we can print and post it out in quick time! Alternatively they can order any of our stock or even their own customs from our website www.drmoose.com.au If you don’t want to pay for postage, we are doing contactless pick-ups by appointment only.
What’s the first thing you’ll do once life returns to normal in the Bay?
100% go for a lighthouse walk and then eat brunch at one of our favourite cafes in Byron! Catch up with our mates for a few cold ones in the pub!
This is part of our new ‘Support Local’ series profiling Byron Shire businesses and how the community can help them during this period of uncertainty.
