A Fond Farewell to Beloved Rockhampton Baby Shop, With Love, Bambino

Thank you Grace – from one local baby shop to another 

At Absolute Baby Shop, your local baby shop in Rockhampton, I’ve always believed in community over competition. Supporting other local businesses, especially those that share my values and passion for families, has always been at the heart of what I do. This belief has never felt more important than now, as I say goodbye to a much-loved and respected local Rockhampton baby business: With Love, Bambino.

On 30th June 2025, With Love, Bambino officially closed its doors after six beautiful years sourcing beautiful products and delivering heartfelt service to local Rockhampton families. For those who may not know, With Love, Bambino was created and nurtured by Grace, an incredible businesswoman, mum, and friend to so many in our community. Her beautiful boutique offered more than just baby and children’s products; it was a thoughtfully curated, welcoming space that families trusted and loved.

Why we’re saying goodbye to local Rockhampton baby shop, With Love, Bambino

Grace recently shared her decision to close the store on social media:

“After 6 beautiful years, the time has come for me to say goodbye to With Love, Bambino. This decision hasn’t been made lightly, but it comes from a place of love and happiness.
My little family has been patiently waiting in the wings while I poured my heart, time and energy into this business. Over the past couple of years, our lives have become even busier with 3 babies, 300 acres, and a second business, and it is now time for me to step fully into the roles of being a MUM and a WIFE.
I am truly grateful for all the support, love and community I have had over the last 6 years and the beautiful friendships that have grown from it.
This isn’t a sad ending—it is a new beginning and one that I am so grateful to have the opportunity to embrace.”

Let’s focus on the positives 

Grace, your words are a beautiful reminder of what truly matters, and they perfectly reflect the grace (pun intended!) and love you brought to your work. Over the years, you have created something incredibly special—a space where parents felt supported, where little ones were celebrated, and where every product on the shelf came with care, purpose, and intention.

A true example of local collaboration

At Absolute Baby, I’ve always seen With Love, Bambino as a complementary business to mine, and not a competitor. We intentionally stocked different baby products, and shared the same vision: to help families access the best for their babies, toddlers and young children. It was never a competition; it was always about mutual respect.

We often referred customers to each other, knowing they would be welcomed with the same level of warmth and genuine service. It’s a rare thing to find in business, and I’ve always been so thankful for that connection.

This kind of collaboration is what makes the Rockhampton parenting community such a wonderful place to be part of.

Keeping your favourite baby brands local 

I also want to thank Grace for her thoughtful support behind the scenes. Before closing her doors, she kindly passed along contact details for her suppliers and brand reps, ensuring that Rockhampton families can continue to access the beautiful products they’ve come to love. Thanks to her, I’m thrilled to announce that a few new brands will soon be available at Absolute Baby:

• Britax (trusted car safety seats and prams engineered for safety, comfort, and innovation)
• Bedhead Hats (Australian-made sun hats for babies and kids, designed for maximum sun protection and all-day comfort)
• BIBS (the ever-popular dummies and accessories)
• OiOi (gorgeous nappy bags and baby essentials for the stylish parent)

We’re already home to  some of Rockhampton’s favourite baby brands 

In addition to those new arrivals, I’m proud to already stock many trusted and much-loved brands, including:

• Milky Goodness (supporting mums through breastfeeding and lactation)
• Snuggle Hunny (known for their beautiful swaddles and babywear)
• Love To Dream (innovators of the original arms-up sleep sack)

And because I’ve heard just how much locals love them, I’m also working hard behind the scenes to bring the whimsical and oh-so-soft Jellycat toys range to our Rockhampton baby store shelves very soon.

We’re here for Rockhampton families

I know that saying goodbye to a beloved local business is never easy, especially one as trusted as With Love, Bambino. That’s why I want to offer this reassurance to our community: if there’s something you’re missing—an item you used to buy at With Love, Bambino or something you’d love to see available locally—please let us know. I’m always open to suggestions and committed to doing everything I can to support Rockhampton families.

Grace, thank you 

Grace, thank you for your kindness, your community spirit, and the incredible standard you set in the world of baby and children’s retail. We are endlessly grateful for your contribution to our town and our industry. Your passion and presence will be missed, but I know this new chapter will bring you joy, peace, and the precious time you deserve with your beautiful family.

On behalf of Absolute Baby and Rockhampton local parents – THANK YOU. You made a difference. We know this is the beginning of something beautiful for you and your family.

With love and admiration,
Bec

Absolute Baby – your trusted Rockhampton baby shop

Bec standing at the counter of Absolute Baby Shop Rockhampton