OCTOBER 2019
FOR HOME & LIFESTYLE RETAILERS. EST.1975
8
interior trends to look out for
IN FOCUS
THE ESSENCE OF COLOUR Reconnect, reflect and re-energise
Homewares retailers beating the odds
GIFTGUIDE is published by
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06 in this issue 6 trends the essence of colour 10 visual merchandising some of the best home & living displays from Australia and abroad 16 interior 8 interior trends retailers should look out for 18 wrap-up Maison&Objet put on another great show 22 profile wholesale brand French Consul 24 in focus retailers that are thriving in today’s tough climate 28 products decorative and classic homewares for all lifestyle choices
10
contents
22 18 16
28 October 2019  3
Where simple touches can transform a moment from every day to extraordinary After a sell-out launch, our new 3D wick design returns with a brand overhaul and in stunning new European inspired packaging. At Enjoy Lighting, we are renowned for creating the most realistic flameless candles in the world. And now we’ve blended artistry and technology to create our newest family member, the Uyuni Lighting Collection with a 3D wick, our new generation remote enabled patented design. But why Uyuni? The Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia are famous for its crystal-clear night skies where the stars shine brighter than just about anywhere else on earth. Uyuni candles bring a sense of these distant galaxies right into your home with gently flickering lights illuminating the dark and creating a restful and inviting ambience. Inspired by the beauty of nature and the mystery of the night, these beautiful hand-crafted battery operated luxury flameless candles are all remote enabled, with timer and dimmer options, allowing you to personalise every occasion. Made from 100% virgin paraffin wax and hand poured by artisans using age-old techniques, Uyuni flameless candles feature clean lines to enhance any space. Uyuni Lighting is offered across an extended collection of ten design elements, seven of which are pillars, including the popular and impressive
triple-wicked 15cm x 15cm candle, created for maximum styling impact. The newest additions are, in an Australian first, all remote enabled, and include two different height tapers, our perennially beautiful 20cm tall Christmas Tree candle (almost sold out), and the most incredible tea light the world has ever seen. With the distinct value add of the Uyuni Lighting design looking good from anywhere you stand in the room, we’ve truly got your styling requirements covered. Presented in new European inspired deluxe packaging with silver foil embossing, giving the gift of light has never been easier. The best part is, they look like a real candle burning.
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THE ESSENCE OF
Colour
Dulux Colour Forecast 2020. Styled by Bree Leech. Photographer: Lisa Cohen.
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trends
In a world where we’re constantly ‘on’, it’s all too easy for our innermost voice to get lost in the noise. The Dulux Colour Forecast 2020 provides an opportunity to reflect and re-energise whereby we can tune back into the essence of what matters to us.
T
he demands on our time and attention have never been greater. Our devices buzz 24/7,
alerting us to the arrival of new information, fresh deadlines and more pressure. Fake news jostles with the facts, making it hard to distinguish between what’s real and what isn’t. We yearn to step away from our screens and have more October 2019 7
authentic, grounded experiences. At the same time, we’re increasingly environmentally conscious. In response, design trends for 2020 will reflect our desire to pause and reconnect with the essence of what matters most to us. Recycled materials, nature-inspired palettes, and furniture that blends old and new will come to the fore, signalling a more mindful approach to the curation of our living spaces. Informed by extensive global trends research, the 2020 Dulux Colour Forecast ‘Essence’ is a collection that brings together gentle neutrals and
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trends
muted brights drawn from the natural world–botanical, mineral and oceanic. The collection consists of four unique palettes: Comeback, Grounded, Cultivate and Indulge, plus a small, specially curated palette of four bold hues, designed to be mixed and matched with the trending palettes for an individualised look. CLICK
+ TO READ MORE
October 2019  9
AVENUE LUXE
HOME
COASTAL LIVING
Sweet HOME
Are you looking for some inspiration for your store? Check out these wonderful homewares displays.
BURNT ORANGE 10  giftguideonline.com.au
DOMAYNE
GREEN WITH ENVY
visual merchandising
DRIFT HOME AND LIVING
HABITANIA HOMEWARES
INSPO HOME
JUMBLED
October 2019  11
LITTLE MISS AUDREY
MERCHANT HOMEWARES
THE PANTON STORE
THESUPERCOOL
visual merchandising
OPUS DESIGN STORE
THE DESIGN DEPOT
October 2019  13
Style, design & trends 8 interior trends retailers should look out for.
C
arly Dibble is the
style parameters for clients who
founder of Meraki
want something new, fresh and yet
Home Design.
warmly familiar.
Considered a creative
The meaning of Meraki means
force in the industry she creates
love, soul and creativity. Each of her
unique ideas and styles that stretch
designs break free from homogeny to
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interior
create a spontaneous and adventurous
design were an extension of one’s
masterpiece with splashes of edginess.
personality and I encourage those
Dibble encourages colourful foundations
clients that lack ‘colour-confidence’
and likes to ‘build up’ with dramatic
to experiment with striking bold
powerful colours, patterns or textures.
shades,” she says.
“I’ve always thought colour and
CLICK
+ TO READ MORE October 2019 17
with love
FROM PARIS 18  giftguideonline.com.au
wrap-up
Maison&Objet is a great place to spot new and upcoming trends and products. Giftguide browsed the aisles of the show in September and brings you a snapshot of what will be coming to Australian shores.
October 2019  19
Black is the new black, old becomes new again and lots of mixed patterns, motifs and designs— Maison&Objet didn’t disappoint!
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wrap-up
WATCH NOW
October 2019  21
profile
French
THE CONNECTION Inspired by Picasso and her dad, Karen Miles followed her dreams and launched her own business, French Consul, early last year.
W
hen Karen Miles was looking for an appropriate name for her new business she knew she wanted the word French in there and adding
Consul seemed to fit perfectly.
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“I was looking for ways to keep France in my life and I liked the idea of offering Australian stores a local source of Frenchinspired linen homewares, so being the ‘ambassador’ or ‘consulate’ of all things French in Australia seemed just right.” Starting French Consul wasn’t something Miles had been planning for years, but happened after her dad passed away. One of the last things her dad asked her to do the day before he died was to see more of the world and to never give up. “Feeling stuck in my career, a few months later I quit my job with no job to go to and I flew to Paris solo where, unknowingly, the idea for French Consul began. “I think there’s something in all of us that yearns for a sense of purpose, and I’ve learned that a big part of achieving that is never letting others decide your value and never giving up on yourself.” CLICK
+ TO READ MORE October 2019 23
Beating
THE ODDS
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in focus
While the Aussie retail industry is going through a really tough time at the moment, there are still retailers out there that are innovative, inspiring, forward thinking and breaking new ground.
October 2019  25
A
new report from Vend, in collaboration with the National Retail Association (NRA), shines a light on independent and thriving
retailers with a focus on their innovative in-store experiences, community spirit and sustainability efforts, as well as their use of technology to power growth across all aspects of their operations. Dave Scheine, Vend managing director of APAC, is excited about the launch of Remarkable Retailers in Australia. 26  giftguideonline.com.au
in focus
“These retailers inspire us with their resilience, courage, incredible commitment and their ability to find new solutions and ways of working to thrive in a challenging retail landscape.” Indeed, Australia’s independent retailers are defying the odds with $2.44 billion worth of goods sold over the past year with an average spend of $48 per transaction. Compared to other markets this equates to a quarter more than the UK (23 per cent) and over a tenth more than New Zealand (12 per cent). Also, retailers from NSW were the best performing in Australia, followed by Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. CLICK
+ TO READ MORE
October 2019 27
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Decorative, contemporary and classic homewares for all lifestyle choices
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2
3 1. Bouffants & Broken Hearts planter pot range, wholesale for $14.50 each. Albi, 03 9474 1300, albi@albi.com.au, www.albi.com.au 2. Edge Sculpture owl figure, wholesales for $77.25. Jasnor (Australia), 03 9562 9900, sales@jasnor.com, www.jasnor.com.au, facebook. com/JasnorAUS, instagram.com/JasnorAUS 3. Festive Botanica gift set, wholesales for $24.95. Urban Rituelle, 02 9531 1244, info@ urbanrituelle.com.au, www.urbanrituelle.com.au/, facebook.com/urbanrituelle/, instagram.com/urbanrituelle 4. Monsteria artificial plant, retail from $24.95. Rayell, 1300 859 728, sales@rayell.com, www.rayell.com, facebook.com/rayellgifts/, instagram.com/rayell 28  giftguideonline.com.au
products
2
1
4 5
3
1. Rogue Phalaenopsis Full-Dahlia bowl, wholesales for $187.07. Albi, 03 9474 1300, albi@albi.com.au, www.albi.com.au 2. Anay & Aryan indoor cushions, retail from $39.95. Rayell, 1300 859 728, sales@rayell.com, www.rayell.com, facebook.com/rayellgifts/, instagram.com/rayell 3. Festive Botanica scented soy candle, wholesales for $19.50. Urban Rituelle, 02 9531 1244, info@urbanrituelle.com.au, www.urbanrituelle.com.au/, facebook.com/urbanrituelle/, instagram.com/urbanrituelle 4. Western chess set, wholesales for $636.16. Royal Selangor, 03 8797 0750, sales.au@royalselangor.com, www.royalselangor.com, facebook.com/RoyalSelangor, instagram.com/royalselangor 5. DCUK black swan, wholesales for $31.80. Jasnor (Australia), 03 9562 9900, sales@jasnor.com, www.jasnor.com.au, facebook.com/JasnorAUS, instagram.com/JasnorAUS October 2019  29
1 2 3 5 4 1. Amalfi Alari Painting, wholesales for $94.07. Albi, 03 9474 1300, albi@albi.com.au, www.albi.com.au 2. 2020 Intrinsic diary, planner and journal, wholesales for $22.72. Intrinsic Enterprises, 08 8232 2366, hello@intrinsiconline.com, www.intrinsiconline.com, facebook.com/theintrinsicway, instagram.com/theintrinsicway 3. Wealth bowl with stand, wholesales for $181.80. Royal Selangor, 03 8797 0750, sales.au@royalselangor.com, www.royalselangor.com, facebook.com/RoyalSelangor, instagram.com/royalselangor 4. Amiri grey dipped set of 2 ladders, retail from $169.95. Rayell, 1300 859 728, sales@rayell.com, www.rayell.com, facebook.com/rayellgifts/, instagram.com/rayell 5. Edge Sculpture tiger cub figure, wholesales for $63.60. Jasnor (Australia), 03 9562 9900, sales@jasnor.com, www.jasnor.com.au, facebook.com/JasnorAUS, instagram.com/JasnorAUS 30  giftguideonline.com.au
products
1 2
3 5 4 1. Disney Magical Beginnings Dumbo ceramic character moneybank, wholesales for $31.80. Jasnor (Australia), 03 9562 9900, sales@jasnor.com, www.jasnor.com.au, facebook.com/JasnorAUS, instagram.com/JasnorAUS 2. Camilla collection, prices available on request. Madras Link, 03 9490 0600, hello@madraslink.com.au, www.madraslink.com.au, facebook.com/MadrasLinkHomewares,w 3. Mirage Honeycomb photo frame, wholesales for $43.16. Royal Selangor, 03 8797 0750, sales.au@royalselangor.com, www.royalselangor.com, facebook.com/RoyalSelangor, instagram.com/royalselangor 4. Fur Baby Christmas coolers, wholesale for $4.49. Lisa Pollock, 07 5576 2369, office@lisapollock.com.au, www.lisapollock.com.au, facebook.com/LisaPollock.ArtFromTheHeart, instagram.com/lisapollockartist 5. Festive Botanica alfresco candle, wholesales for $24.95. Urban Rituelle, 02 9531 1244, info@urbanrituelle.com.au, www.urbanrituelle.com.au/, facebook.com/urbanrituelle/, instagram.com/urbanrituelle October 2019  31
continued from page 9 “These colour trends are influenced by what’s happening in the world around us,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour and communications manager. With more focus on mental health, the wellness movement continues to gain momentum, as does an emphasis on natural materiality. “Colours for 2020 are more restrained than in previous years. Brights are pulled back and influenced by nature. They appear in smaller doses–think feature walls and details–and are often used tonally as a backdrop for hero furniture pieces. Neutrals are soft and sophisticated, with a gently faded feel that speaks of stillness and calm. Clay, with its warm, earthy appeal, is emerging as a key neutral.” With life pulling us in different directions, we look to our home as somewhere to recharge our energy and fuel our creative thinking. Comeback is a fresh and invigorating palette consisting of rich oceanic and mineral 32 giftguideonline.com.au
trends
shades of blue-green, azure and amber, highlighted with warm tones of burgundy, rust and clay. Accents of black add gravitas. “There’s a lightness and fluidity to the ocean tones in this palette that speak of creativity and adventure, while the warm, earthy shades add cosiness,” says Lucena-Orr. “It’s the ideal backdrop to combine furniture from different eras–from mid-century through to the 80s–in elegant and refined shapes.” Where luxury was once associated with a hefty price tag, it now conveys a sense of craftsmanship, longevity and understated beauty, reflecting a shift in our values. As we seek to simplify our lives, a ‘less is more approach’ permeates everything we do. We are turning away from cheap, mass-produced pieces and seeking out quality designs made from honest materials. Interior spaces are paredback and uncomplicated, with furniture in natural materials such as honeyed timbers, pale leather and linen. The Grounded palette combines gentle, October 2019 33
continued from page 33 liveable neutrals, running from soft grey and biscuit through to muddy lavender, punctuated with warm coral. “We’re seeing a more tonal palette for 2020, and Grounded is a perfect example. It has a soft, neutral feel that creates a sense of relaxation in a space, with gold and coral adding touches of luxe.” Nature is no longer an afterthought in home design. We’re increasingly aware of the positive effects of nature on our mental and physical health and seek new and innovative ways to bring it inside, whether it’s growing our own food or creating lush displays of indoor plants. The Cultivate palette is a serene layering of greens–from soft olive and a pistachio to verdant forest green–with accents of plum, curd and chalky blue adding an unexpected edge. “The colours and textures in Cultivate are easy to work with and have a warmth that really conveys the essence of ‘home’,” says Lucena-Orr. “They look beautiful paired with raw, mid-tone 34 giftguideonline.com.au
trends
timbers, natural stone and transparent, coloured glass.” With jam-packed schedules leaving little room for fun, we look to create spaces that act as theatres for the soul, keeping our dreams of adventure alive. The Indulge palette is decadent and luxurious, featuring rich burgundy, eggplant, earthy brown, faded terracotta and soft coral. Styling makes a nod to the past, with nostalgic touches of 70s disco and art deco. “This palette is not for the fainthearted–it’s dramatic and exciting and is guaranteed to add a wow factor to a master bedroom, dining room or living room,” she says. “Pink, a key colour of the last few years, makes an appearance, but in a more neutral tone that’s closer to tan, alongside a warm, dusty rose.” Trends can be a useful roadmap when choosing colours, but it’s those little touches of the unexpected that give your home personality.” The Dulux Highlights palette consists of four fun, fashionable brights–a 70s-inspired fuchsia, primary blue, October 2019 35
continued from page 35 orange-red and acid yellow–that can be combined with any of the four 2020 colour palettes to create a unique look. “Use them however you like–on a wall, front door or in a nook–to really make the space your own.” There’s no more effective way to bring your home up to date than with paint colours. “Once you’ve lived with colour, you will never want to return to a blank canvas,” says Lucena-Orr. “Paint is fast, fun, and affordable. Best of all, you can easily switch things up if you want to try something new and there’s nothing more satisfying than the end result.”
There’s no more effective way to bring your home up to date than with paint colours. BACK TO CONTENTS 36 giftguideonline.com.au
trends
AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT THE 4 PALETTES Comeback
Grounded
Individuality is more important than ever as we look to create intimate spaces, that tell the story of who we are and what fuels our passions. We look to the past for design inspiration, mixing styles from different eras–from arts and crafts and mid-century through to the 80s–with a newfound confidence. Antique, vintage and contemporary pieces sit comfortably side-by-side with shapes that are refined and elegant, rather than heavy or chunky. Curved lines, rich velvets and bold black accents add a sense of luxury and gravitas. The Comeback palette features invigorating tonal blue shades, highlighted with warm tones of burgundy, rust and mustard that reinforce vintage storytelling. It’s a palette that hints at escape and adventure, encouraging us to step away from the drudgery of the day-to-day routine and embrace new thoughts and ideas.
Our idea of ‘luxury’ has evolved. It once meant a hefty price tag or high-shine appeal, whereas today luxury is about craftsmanship, longevity, authenticity and understated beauty–reflections on where our new values lie. We are more mindful about the purchases we make and the idea of ‘less is more’ permeates every aspect of our lives. Designers are creating more quality products using recycled and repurposed materials, often in natural products, such as timber and stone. Our interiors are pared-back and uncomplicated, with furniture crafted from natural materials such as honeyed timbers, pale leather and tactile linen. The Grounded palette is a medley of soft, liveable neutrals, running from pale biscuit and caramel through to muddy lavender. Hints of terracotta add warmth. Many of the colours can be used as the main shade throughout your home, with gold and coral making for beautiful highlights.
Cultivate There’s a growing awareness of the relationship between nature and our wellbeing and as a result, we look to bring elements of the outside inside our homes. Home is no longer only a place to rest and recover, it’s somewhere to rejuvenate and inspire. We seek out innovative ways to bring elements of the natural world into our interiors to encourage personal growth. We celebrate nature by growing our own food and filling our rooms with indoor plants, botanical prints and furniture crafted from materials such as timber and stone. The Cultivate palette is a calm and gentle layering of greens that reinforces our connection to nature. Chalky blue, deep plum and curd provide a contrast and unexpected edge. The Cultivate palette is one that will resonate with home enthusiasts–the colours and textures are easy to work with and have a warmth that conveys the essence of what ‘home’ really means.
Indulge With less time on our hands and information coming at us 24/7, the desire to escape is powerful. We look to create spaces that will keep our dreams of travel and adventure alive, with rich and dramatic palettes, sumptuous fabrics such as velvets and chenille’s, curvaceous furniture that embraces the sitter and touches of bling. Colours are lush and romantic, with styling providing a nod to the past, with nostalgic touches of 70s disco and art deco. The idea of ‘perfect interiors’ has had its day―frayed edges and time-worn finishes are all part of this look. The result is wonderfully indulgent spaces that make us feel inspired and alive. The Indulge palette features rich burgundy, eggplant, earthy browns, faded terracotta and soft coral. There’s a passion and excitement to this palette that’s hard to resist, adding drama to a space. October 2019 37
continued from page 17
“I like to have fun with my clients and give them the confidence to experiment with colour and design. My imagination is boundless and I really enjoy when my clients give me the freedom to create something truly unique.” Dibble’s talent has always been visible–her devotion to design made her walk the streets of the valley, knocking on the showroom doors for a job. “I was 19 at the time and no one wanted to give me a chance. I ended up in the fashion industry working for a large department store and worked my way up to management,” she says. She later returned to university to study a business degree in international business and marketing, and then secured the role as an assistant buyer for a homewares company. Having been introduced to a property stager, Dibble knew she wanted to re-enter the design industry, and at age 30, was ready to launch Meraki Home Design. Here she shares some of the interior trends that (will) dominate the market. 1 The popular Scandinavian style will be tweaked to incorporate a more country design, therefore introducing feelings of warmth and a sense of relaxation. This style is also inspired by the landscape so natural materials are important in this look. Think tweeds and linens, timbers, rattan, curves in the design of furniture and leathers. 2 Popular colour pallets will be greens and mustards 38 giftguideonline.com.au
interior
representing nature, freshness and ambient open spaces. The tonal blues are coming back, especially the cobalt blue– this colour pallet will be mixed with maroon and mustard for an electric bold look. As well the earthy or sunset colours are still trendy which evoke intimacy and connection to a space. 3 Japanese design cues such as slick black, handmade ceramics and textile prints will be popular in a minimalistic look. 4 For a sophisticated look mirrored glass table tops, toffee and antique brass finishes, darker wood elements will add a touch of luxury and glamour. Velvets, boucle and jacquard fabrics will coordinate well with this style. 5 Sculpture forms in furniture designs will evoke uniqueness and be inspired by that 70s retro/futuristic look. Curvaceous profiling of pieces will be the distinctive hero in this minimalistic style. 6 This minimalistic look will see elements of terrazzo, marble, rattan, twisted cord, velvet and linens. 7 Tribal and the bohemian style is mixing together to create a free spirited style with a geometric exotic blend. The main elements will be tassels, tufting and velvet with an earthy touch of bone, beaten metals and rattan. 8 When it comes to fabric there is a real focus on digital, laser and 3D printing. Our digital age has influenced this industry phenomenally with nanotechnology being used in the creation of fibres that are fire-repellent, self-cleaning, anti-perspiring and water-repellent. Pushing materials to new limits and functional structures. BACK TO CONTENTS October 2019  39
continued from page 23 Miles has been surrounded by creative people her whole life, including her mum and grandmother, and those memories and that amazing gene pool was imprinted upon her. “I am greatly influenced by my history–a creative mother who was highly skilled in a wide range of artistic pursuits from calligraphy to sewing, and my grandmother who ran her own store fashioning gowns for the ladies of Strathfield in a time when very few women owned a business.” A framed photograph of Edna outside her store, with her mum, sits proudly inside the French Consul studio. “I grew up in my nan’s sewing room and on her dining room table having the hem adjusted on the latest beautiful dress she was making me as a child. Our retail and design community of talented, creative women that I’m
“I couldn’ t find the products any where , or even the fabric or antique versions to make up for my own home . Not being able to find the French grain sack products here in Australia , and knowing that so many women covet the designs, I knew there had to be a gap in the market I could fill .” 40 giftguideonline.com.au
profile
surrounded by here in Australia have taught me to be the architect of my life.” Miles spent a lot of time in Paris and Provence looking for linen tablecloths and cushion covers with a classic French ‘grain sack’ stripe. Grain sacks were once widely used by farmers across Europe to identify their grains when they sold them at market–each family had their own colour and stripe pattern on their grain sacks. “I couldn’t find the products anywhere, or even the fabric or antique versions to make up for my own home. Not being able to find the French grain sack products here in Australia, and knowing that so many women covet the designs, I knew there had to be a gap in the market I could fill. “I wanted to provide an accessible price point and a regular local source for Australian retailers and we’ve done that... I also love that our linen flax is grown in France, loomed in Ireland by one of the last standing family-run linen mills, and hand cut and sewn in Ireland and Australia.” After working on creating the label for six months, French Consul was launched in March last year. Miles sources her fabric, which is certified, from Europe (linen is grown in France and woven in Ireland) and all products are hand cut and sewn in Australia and Ireland, keeping artisan small businesses alive and their skills treasured in people’s homes. “We’re seeing a real change from cheaply made products to more and more customers valuing well made products, handcrafted, and Australian made. French Consul products are certified–they are made from 100 October 2019 41
continued from page 41
“Ethics aren’ t a nice-tohave anymore , there’s a groundswell of people who want to know where products are made and I’m so glad to be part of that shift back to qualit y manufacturing. Every French Consul product purchase supports farmers, artisans and fabric weavers in
France , Ireland, England and Australia .”
per cent French flax Masters Of Linen and European Flax certified and meet the human-ecological requirements of the Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX and are woven in Ireland and Irish Linen Guild certified. “Ethics aren’t a nice-to-have anymore, there’s a groundswell of people who want to know where products are made and I’m so glad to be part of that shift back to quality manufacturing. Every French Consul product purchase supports farmers, artisans and fabric weavers in France, Ireland, England and Australia.” While French Consul was launched last year and the journey has only just begun, there have been plenty of highlights already including the French Consul pop-up in New York in March this year. “Seeing our products styled and for sale in one of the 42 giftguideonline.com.au
WATCH NOW
profile
most iconic French-inspired buildings in the heart of Soho at Marche Maman is something I still pinch myself about. Knowing that our stockists now stretch across five countries is a pretty exciting feeling too. “In terms of challenges, growth is something I’ve had to get my head around. I was delighted to receive some coaching on the Channel 7 TV show Kochie’s Business Builders this year. I have learned a lot about the importance of systemising and have researched ways to run my inventory and fulfilment with integrated software, which I will implement as we scale the business.” Indeed, growth is a big part of French Consul’s plans both in Australia and overseas, however, offering a quality product to Australian stores is Miles’ focus. Does she have any tips for retailers that sell French Consul products? “If your store adores French provincial style, farmhouse, Hamptons, cottage or country style, or just handcrafted beautiful products, French Consul’s three cushion sizes looks equally at home styled across a classic lounge or occasional chair in navy, greys or neutrals. “I’ve seen stores merchandise across a bed, or with our fete table runners across a rustic table, some even hang them with wooden pegs, or drape them across wooden clothes hangers. One stockist folds our Provencal tea towels and fete table runners in stacks in a gorgeous open cupboard. And I especially love seeing our two tote bags hanging from old wall pegs and vintage ladders.” BACK TO CONTENTS October 2019 43
continued from page 27 So what makes a Remarkable Retailer? “It’s someone who respects their community, their customers, and the Australian environment,
Australia. The retailer also has a knack for setting up pop-ups at breakneck speed, particularly around shopping dates. “We rely heavily upon a nimble pop-up model
who is passionate about what they do and who
alongside our permanent locations which are
brings genuine excitement into their customer
open all year round. For Christmas, we pop up in
experience,” says NRA CEO, Dominique Lamb.
high-traffic locations across the country, sometimes
For Pigeonhole founder, Johann Kim, it has always been about pushing the boundaries as
opening up to six stores in the space of a few weeks. “Opening pop-ups last minute and hiring
an independent retailer and he has always had a
teams in a matter of days has its challenges.
growth mindset, despite the economic conditions.
However, it also presents wonderful rewards and
“It has been a huge challenge being a national
opportunities. We’ve had the chance to try out
company yet privately owned with no investment,”
locations we never dreamed we would be able
he explains.
to afford and reached new customers we could
“Our company has literally been grown
never have accessed otherwise.”
predominantly by the youthful passion of a team
Kim believes Pigeonhole was at the forefront
of 20-somethings who champion our values and
of the pop-up shop wave, proving that a flexible
our quest for beautiful and fun things from around
model is not just sustainable but necessary.
the globe.” The first store was launched in Perth in 2007, and Kim now has seven bricks and mortar stores across
44 giftguideonline.com.au
“Our one-stop-shop mindset is now one that is widely adopted by stores across the country. Moving forward we are looking for more
in focus
collaborative models of retail.
integrated systems and adopted
Working closer with our suppliers
new technology, linking the
and makers and rediscovering
online store directly to the
a sense of community and
physical store’s POS system.
place and meaning in a rapidly
“Our website and accounting
digitised world. This may mean
package are linked back as well,”
seeing more varied concepts
she adds. “We also have a monthly
in our stores, more brand
turnover that is significantly
partnerships, store in store
higher than the state and national
models, events and activations. “I strongly believe that retail has meaning when
average, so we must be doing something right as a retailer, in a difficult retail climate.”
it comes back to a more grassroots level of one
However, Given admits that survival is her main
on one customer experience, a compelling and
goal at the moment. “The doom and gloom we hear
relatable brand story and a broader community
about the larger retail stores suffering (nationally
focus,” Kim adds.
and globally) is an obvious concern for me–I am not
Another Remarkable Retailer is Lucy Given, whose store LUC Design has successfully
blind to the fact that this industry is very challenging, So being successful in a difficult time is gratifying. October 2019 45
continued from page 45 “For me it has been about continuously evolving my business. Evolving how I operate, who I represent, who I collaborate with. Adaptability is an important part of business growth and Vend and the online integrations I have made have allowed me to do just that.” Given is looking to move her business into a larger space in the next 12 months, and she is looking forward to creating new collaborations.
She says the addition of MONA (Museum of Old
Last year LUC Design expanded its range and
and New Art) has made people recognise Tasmania
launched its own brand, LUCASA. The brand
as a cultural destination, which means more tourists
collaborates with other local businesses and
and more business. Indeed, LUC Design has
explores the idea of Tasmanian brand identity.
benefited from a 14 per cent increase in sales for
“Our own small homewares range LUCASA is doing well, and we hope to expand the brief to
June and July year on year in the past two years. “The sheer number of people that pass by now is
other designs and get the Tasmanian brand name
quite unusual for us, in comparison to that on the
out there.”
mainland and from major cities,” she adds.
Over the past four years LUC Design has
“Tasmania punches well above its weight in the
won many awards including the gia visual
wine and food industry, so my dream is to elevate
merchandising award in Chicago, proving that
the design from our state with the same level of
being regional–the store is located in Hobart–
respect and recognition.
doesn’t have to detract from being successful.
“I have been fortunate enough to have been given
Given says she would love to see Tasmanian
a platform to make that dream more achievable.
design be as recognisable and distinctive in its
“Having systems that do the hard work for me
quality as Danish or Scandinavian design. “We
has allowed me to spend more time providing the
have the skills, the artisans and the growing
perfect customer experience, and perfecting that
opportunity for that to happen.
customer experience is what smaller retailers need
46 giftguideonline.com.au
in focus
which recognises the environmental impact of businesses and holds them accountable for it.” Biome has five stores across Queensland and a to do to survive and compete with online stores
booming online store. Vend data shows Biome
and global shopping habits,” she adds.
has a loyal customer base, with a 20 per cent
Queensland retailer Biome is truly ahead of
repeat customer rate. Bailey claims this is due to
the curve in eco-friendly retail. Since its launch in
their knowledgeable staff and a brand mission that
2003, Australia has become synonymous with an
inspires consumers to do better.
environmentally friendly lifestyle. “When we started Biome 15 years ago, we
“We helped customers save over 10 million single-use plastic items from waste, launched
were the only eco-store in Australia and, at that
Australia’s first zero-waste beauty bar and
point, the internet was in its infancy,” Tracey Bailey,
implemented a TerraCycle recycling program.”
founder and managing director, explains. “Now, the connectedness of the world and the rate at which people can access information has contributed to the exponential growth in conscious consumerism.” Unlike most businesses, Biome’s main focus
They were also the first Australian retailer to distribute reusable coffee cups, and now they are considered the nationwide standard. Even after all of their success, Bailey admits they’re still evolving and learning. “What is environmentally friendly is not always black and
is not on profit, but instead, sustainability and
white, so we’re constantly taking on customer
the health of the planet. “We are driven by
feedback and evolving our processes to stay on
doing what’s right for the community, not what’s
top of that.”
easy or most profitable, and operate at a level
BACK TO CONTENTS October 2019 47
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