UNDETERRED: Simone’s unwavering spirit, resilience, key to relaunch, re-opening of popular Mossman business Western Road Clothing

UNWAVERING

Michael Warren

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Simone Bohm inside her popular store. Picture: Michael Warren

As we continue our Mossman recovers series we check in with another Front St business owner to learn first hand the challenges she has endured and overcome in a bid to relaunch and reopen her shop, Western Road Clothing.

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If anyone knows a bit about despair and consequent unwavering determination and resilience in the wake of overwhelming adversity it’s Mossman business owner Simone Bohm.

Like the majority of Mossman retailers Simone was forced to temporarily close her beloved Front St shop Western Road Clothing and Tack to undertake a mammoth clean up job following last year’s mid/late December flood event.

Not deterred, Simone, who opened her Mossman store in 2018 turned a negative into a positive and soon put the wheels in motion to completely gut and renovate her popular clothing store.

With the doors shut while the clean up efforts and renovations took place Simone opened a temporary pop-up Western Road Clothing store in Port Douglas until just prior to Easter.

However, ongoing water restrictions, road closures and scarce tourist numbers didn't make for good business in her makeshift store during the first few months of the year.

“The past six months have proved a very, very challenging time,” Simone told Newsport.

“The flood water that came into the store ruined lots of stock including numerous pairs of boots and other items. 

“In preparation we moved a lot of stock from the front of the shop to the back, however, the flood water ended up coming in from the back towards the front – which caught us by surprise.

“When we looked at the overall damage to the shop, it was then I made the decision to restart and renovate the shop.”

Those improvements include a beautiful timber floor, a fresh paint job and new displays showcasing the shop’s wonderful array of stock.

Simone said the reaction to the refurbs have been particularly positive.

“The Mossman and wider Douglas Shire community have been really lovely and complimentary about our renovations,” she said.

“I’m thankful for the support of my partner and family and everyone who contributed to getting the shop back to where it is now, it is appreciated.”

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