MACROSSAN ST INSTITUTION: Elle Macpherson’s butt, Kate Hudson’s divorce papers - Blue Dog Surf Shop has seen and heard it all

ICONIC SHOP

Michael Warren

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The smiling faces of Blue Dog: Pam Lewis, Wendy Porter, and Tayler Miller. Picture: Michael Warren

It’s been a Macrossan St institution for more than 20 years and just days ago a local staple that’s sold more sunglasses, clothing and accessories than it can remember has now consolidated under the one very familiar brand name – Blue Dog.

Long-time owner Dave Imgraben has merged his businesses so Blue Dog is now operating out of the former ‘Tript’ location.

Since moving Blue Dog from 19 Macrossan St into 53-61 Macrossan St just days ago it’s been business as usual with the shop selling its normal array of hats, jewellery, kids and men’s fashion, sarongs and kaftans, shoes, snorkel and dive equipment, sunglasses, souvenirs, sports equipment, sunscreen, swim and beachwear and women’s fashion.

“We started Blue Dog 27 years ago, in around 1995,” Dave told Newsport.

“It’s proved such a great, fun business that we’ve never sold it. We simply wanted to move on to other projects, that’s why we’ve put the two businesses together.

“It’s always been fun, (it) still is, we’ve been through some ups and downs, but I’d say the most enjoyable aspect of it all has been the people we’ve met.”

Dave also took the time to reflect on some of the more memorable encounters he’s had running Blue Dog over the years.

“One thing that sticks out is when (Australian supermodel) Elle Macpherson was in the store… she proceeded to jump behind the counter and literally put her butt on the tag remover, on her short shorts, to help get the tag off.

“She had a huge entourage and as you can imagine the shop was full that day.”

Dave also recalled another ripping story from the memory bank.

“One day (Hollywood actress) Kate Hudson was standing out the front of Blue Dog,” he said.

“Kate was here in Douglas at the time filming “Fools Gold”, on this particular day she was heard having a humorous rant about being handed divorce papers by her ex-husband… so that was an interesting day.”

Dave Imgraben at the Blue Dog shop in Port Douglas. Picture: Michael Warren

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