Renee Cohen our business growth advisor visited Dave Collins this week at his recently opened Wild Stag Honey store in Shannon.
Dave, a Shannon local, who has turned his hobby into a business, used to export his product and sell to suppliers across NZ. He is now selling Wild Stag kānuka and mānuka honey online and in his new retail store. The Mānuka and kānuka honey has been aged for five years in the barrel, the longer in the barrel, the better the honey.
The store which is located just down from The Horsemen’s Café on Plimmer Tce retails other products made in Horowhenua such as Hemp Connect and Udderly Organic Milk from Koputaroa. The honey products retail from $5- $100. They also sell smoothies and honey ice-cream and lemon honey and orange honey drinks from $2.50 a cup.
Dave has 10 years as a beekeeper under his belt and is also an enthusiastic hunter, he named his business over 3 years ago, incorporating his hobbies.
He is excited to have the chance to open a store in Shannon, a town that is seeing a revival given that those who travel north from Wellington, turning into SH57 just before Levin, won’t have had a chance to stop anywhere else.
Around the corner on Ballance Street, three diverse businesses have been making their mark this summer. The Moana Road Outlet Store has affordable and end of line products, all great for anyone looking for a unique gift. The store adjoins a pop up ceramics store.
Across the road Minty Cottle showcases a large elective mix from retro car number plates and signs, to antiques and vintage collectables. His store named “Funk n Junk” is a curio’s dream stop and worth the nostalgic walk back in time to take a visit.
Next door a recycled clothing and 2nd hand goods store has opened with a range of affordable clothing and household goods.
Shannon is fast becoming a buzz of eclectic stores to visit. Come and meander around the stores, cafes, enjoy the great coffee and honey ice-cream.
