Happy Valley is an exciting new design/book/art shop located in the heart of Collingwood at 294 Smith Street, featuring a large selection of Australian designers and treasures sourced from overseas. Inspired by European concept stores, and personally curated by owner Chris Crouch, Happy Valley stocks a wonderful range of art prints, a wide selection of books, cool designs and artful oddities from home and abroad.
“The shop features many objects, brands and prints you won’t find anywhere else. Happy Valley is the perfect place to discover something new and interesting,” said Chris.
With affordable art prints by Séverin Millet (Lyon, France), re-usable porcelain coffee cups from MoMugs (New Zealand), quirky trophies from Trophy Buffet (USA), beautiful timber homewares (MONO, Adelaide) and hand crafted jewellery pieces (Mabel, Tasmania) – there is something for everyone. The carefully selected book collection features categories such as graphic novels, social science, music, politics, humour and plenty more. Happy Valley also stocks a healthy range of magazines covering the art, design and lifestyle genres.
Chris has a strong retail background having owned Polyester Records for close to 12 years. After selling Polyester three years ago, and taking over the Tramway Hotel in North Fitzroy not long after, Chris missed having a retail space. Inspiration for the shop came from an overseas holiday, and Happy Valley was born.
“European concept stores, where the space is a work of art itself, but also functions as an exciting retail space, was the inspiration behind Happy Valley. I wanted to create a place people could visit and feel relaxed. I wanted the shop to be a space people could enjoy, and discover new things,” said Chris.
“I had always dreamt of opening either a book store, art gallery or design space, so I decided to combine all three. Happy Valley is full of all the things I love – books, art, design and quirky thoughtful gifts. I hope everyone enjoys the store as much as I do.”
Happy Valley is open 7 days and is located at 294 Smith Street, Collingwood, Victoria, 3066.
