Community
2 October, 2025
Historic storefront reopens
THE opening of a new antique store has brought a new lease of life to one of Noorat’s most historic properties.
Alex and Jenna French opened the doors to their new antiques and collectables store, The French Collection, on September 18.
Mrs French said the reception from the community had been heart-warming.
“Over the past two weeks we’ve had a nice steady flow of people,” she said.
“The doors have been closed for some time so we’ve had lots of people in to wish us well, while a few people have bought some things as well.
“It’s been nice.”
Mr French said the family knew they had wanted to open a business as the family was living at The Beehive Store, one of Noorat’s most historic storefronts which had stood for more than a century and, in 1902, was the birthplace of famed resident Alan Marshall.
The couple and their two children moved into the former Beehive Store last March, and with the passage of time knew they wanted to do something which would see the storefront utilised.
Mr French said he knew he didn’t want to open a store which would compete with other retailers in the area while maintaining flexibility to spend time with his family.
“We didn’t know how viable it would be to have a general store, especially with small children – we can’t here all day, every day, seven-days-per-week,” he said.
“It’s always a shame seeing closed down stores in communities so we thought of what we would like, what we would be into, and how we could liven up the street in the process.
“It makes the town more alive when you’ve got storefronts – this is our living space, but we also felt a bit selfish so we wanted to do something with the shop.
“It’s a win-win for us, and hopefully a win-win for the community as well.”
Mrs French said the decision to centre their store around the retail of antiques and collectables was a nature fit as both she and her husband had a genuine interest in historic pieces.
“Alex grew up in a Victorian home so he’s always had that interest and appreciation of history for the furniture and knickknacks that have character,” she said.
“They all have a story that goes with them, it’s all quite unique.
“Alex also had a great eye for picking nice things – he’s been responsible for decorating the interior of our house.
“You combine the interest we both have, and a store which is manageable for us with a young family so we can meet their needs without overcommitting.”
Mrs French said the family had only moved to Noorat last year, but already felt a popular saying within the village rang true – with their appreciation for their new community serving as a catalyst for opening the store.
“We’ve been so warmly welcomed by the village of Noorat,” she said.
“Noorat is described as ‘something special’ and I have to fully endorse those words.
“It really is a special place and we feel like we have a responsibly, due to the historical significance of the building, so we wanted to give something back in recognition of just how lovely everyone has been.”
Mrs French said she had also loved the opportunity to learn more about the history the town and the family store, with no shortage of visitors sharing their memories.
“People will come in, share their stories and connections with the shop, such as telling us the layout in previous years,” she said.
“It’s lovely.
“We had someone come through on the weekend who showed us a photograph of the builder.
“You see the connections people have with the place, which builds our understanding too.”
Read More: Noorat