Annie Freitag opened Something for Me on Liebig Street's eastern side last week, with her sons Josh, 20, and Tom, 16.

Despite her 35 years' experience in retail Ms Freitag said two months ago she would have never dreamed of opening a store, but then she and her sons opened an online business.

"I thought I was going to start this little online business, I didn't realise so many people from Warrnambool would come and want to try things on," she said.

Ms Freitag set up a shop at her home, but quickly outgrew it and decided to open the store, which now stocks women's clothes, jewellery, hand bags, candles and soon a shoe range.

Nineteen months ago, Ms Freitag lost her husband Sepp and she said the community support had lifted the family's spirits.

"That's why people have come to really support us, because they know its been difficult for us," she said.

Her sons have a share in the business, with Josh managing the books and online store while his brother Tom unpacks and marks stock.

Ms Freitag said the business would create up to four new jobs on Liebig Street. She said the new store had also brought confidence to the street.

"A lot of people complain about the parking. But with a couple of people opening up in Liebig Street I feel very confident it's going to go ahead," she said. "With more shops opening up people will come back."

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.