Petit Velo was bought by now-owner Leanne Gruner in January 2023 after founders Aline Davies and Christelle Reinbolt decided to sell after the 2022 floods.
It has since become a hot-spot for all things old, new and eclectic.
Echuca Hotel will be hosting a barbecue and Rochester Bakery will be selling cupcakes at the store’s reopening on Saturday, July 12 at 10am.
The decision to move from its previous location was due to needing more space and storage for a growing store.
“In the spur of the moment I decided to buy it and we just kind of outgrew the other shop, it’s a lot smaller,” Mrs Gruner said.
“So, when this came up, we thought we’d move around the corner.
“It’s a much bigger space with a good storage area and the building is in a much better spot on the main road.
“It’s a beautiful building, I’m really excited to open and for people to come and see what we are all about.”
Mrs Gruner says that her love of antiques comes from her extensive travels with her husband, who was in the American armed forces, and her love of shopping.
She also highlights the unique ability for antiques to conjure memories of childhood and days long since past.
“My love of antiques has come from travelling all around the world, so I’ve always just collected and picked things up as I have gone along,” she said.
“There's a few things in there from my personal collection, but most of it has come from estates, auctions and consignments, many locals will bring things in.
“I think people love antiques so much because it is memories for them, a lot of toys in our store are what I remember playing with when I was a kid.
“Antique collecting has been a big thing for me throughout my life; I love shopping, so now I can buy whatever I want and say it’s for the shop.”
Mrs Gruner is a big believer in fixing old things, and repurposing them for use, as a lot of older products have longer lifespans due to a care for the craft.
A good example is the store’s iconic horse, an early 1960s carnival ride that has been fixed, complete with its original music.
The horse will be available to ride, with the money raised from rides going to a different charity every month, chosen by her children; the first of which is looking to fund teenage mental health initiatives.
“A lot of people just throw things out that had meaning to someone at one point, I’m a big believer in fixing things and stuff that is older is normally well-made, so there’s a reason they last a long time,” she said.
“If you can fix it or just give it a bit of love, there will be so much more life in it than the things made today.
“I don’t very often get anyone who walks out with nothing, there is always something for everyone.”
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