Mike's Beechworth Bazaar

What you don't find at Mike's Bazaar isn't worth owning!
Amazing shop!

Worth a visit to see the old storefront alone with it's original name proudly displayed in the sidewalk. It must have been a crowning small time department store in its day but is now a variety store or as some would say a $2 shop. Step inside and relive the old ambience and who knows, you might see something that takes your fancy. Friendly staff and quite a busy shop.

While most of Beechworth feels incredibly welcoming to all people, this store missed the mark. Displaying vintage soap ads depicting racist imagery, this was a big shock to me considering the time period we are. I would suggest the owner take some time to reflect and consider why they felt the need to display these when their are many other vintage ads to choose from. Do better.

This store has a lot of nice objects inside such as enamel plates, essential oils, and vintage contact paper, however the storefront display is not welcoming. I spoke to the guy working at the time about two incredibly racist and unsettling soap commercials (you know the ones) which are visible from the street and front and centre in the window. He said that he already knew about this and indicated he has already had these discussions with other people, but the images are still on display.

While these are historical documents, it is not appropriate for non-indigenous people to profit off their sale (or use them as advertising), and it is also not appropriate for them to be visible to indigenous people and other people of colour who are otherwise enjoying their days.

I was planning on visiting other local businesses in Beechworth to potentially purchase locally made goods, however after this experience I did not feel comfortable and decided to leave.

I believe that these images should not be used for profit, advertising, or display. I would be happy to edit this review once I have seen evidence that the store has taken steps to create a more welcoming and appropriate storefront display for all people (and that such images are not used anywhere in the store) and I am happy to discuss this further when I have capacity. I believe this would be beneficial to this store, but also the Beechworth community.

Extremely racist advertisements displayed in the front window displays. Absolutely offensive and inappropriate. We were excited to go in and take a look around to purchase some gifts until we saw these. The previous reviewer summoned up everything pretty perfectly also — also happy to remove or edit this review once evidence of removal and an apology has been posted.

Hello l was in the Bazaar on Sunday afternoon the person that runs the shop was so rude to customers l couldn't believe what he was saying to customers about the people in the town dissopointed with his comments we left and now l will never go in that store again you dont deserve my money very rude sir.