Image: TheSuperCool.
Whatever aspect of the retail industry you’re involved in, it can’t hurt to get some inspiration from some great local stores. Here are seven of the best in Melbourne.
TheSuperCool
TheSuperCool mobile emporium started in November 2011 as an experiment, inspired by vintage peddlers of the 1800s who travelled from town to town selling their wares. Super cool couple Kate Vandermeer and David Nunez have since had 14 locations with their pop-up shops, created an online store, set up a permanent shop and a semi-permanent shop and developed a cult following in Australia and worldwide.
They also introduced TheSuperCool Kid (with their adorable daughter Lola as the ambassador). Their stock consists mainly of design-led pieces, (hand)made locally or overseas, as well as mainstream items. You can find their permanent store at the South Melbourne Market.
top3 by design
After running her Sydney stores for 12 years, top3 by design’s founder, Terri Winter, opened her first Melbourne store in 2013 and last year launched her second store in Richmond. top3 by design is known for its unique concept where each category features three of the best items and no more, which means all products are 100 per cent authentic.
top3 by design stocks everything from homewares and accessories to kitchen and dining. The Richmond store is located at 658 Church Street and the Emporium Melbourne location is shop 337, level 3, 287 Lonsdale Street.
Vincent Design
Vincent Design is a family owned and run business that has been operating for more than 50 years. The store embraces minimalist Scandinavian design in both its fitout and the product it stocks including homewares, bedding, accessories and furniture. Pieces are either imported or designed and made by the company itself―each item of furniture is named after a family member. Vincent Design is located at 269 Coventry Street in South Melbourne.
Third Drawer Down
Beginning in 2003, Third Drawer Down is a store, wholesaler and design studio. At its bricks and mortar home in Fitzroy—described on its website as “our interpretation of the traditional museum or gallery store”—you’ll find a fantastic collection of eccentric objet d’art, from homewares to accessories, kids’ products and stationery. Oh, and the store window never fails to surprise. Find Third Drawer Down at 93 George Street, Fitzroy.
Crate Expectations
Introduced to the Melbourne market in 1996 by Georgina Bird, this little gem based in Malvern stocks everything from homewares, baby and lifestyle products to one-off furniture pieces, cushions, lamps and throws. In 2014 a second store opened in Hampton, offering a similar collection to the Malvern store sourced from local designers and abroad. You can find Crate Expectation‘s Malvern store at 1A Llaneast Street and the Hampton boutique at 313 Hampton Street.
Milk & Sugar
Most items you find in the Milk & Sugar stores in Fitzroy and Prahran have been designed and developed by the company itself, with the first product range launched back in February 2009.The stores’ fitouts are minimalistic so they don’t clash with the bold and rich patterns of its stock including bedding, tableware, rugs, lighting and its popular decorative prints. The Prahran store is located at 207 Chapel Street, the shop in Fitzroy can be found at 260 Brunswick Street.
Lily and the Weasel
This gorgeous homewares and gift store is located in Richmond and specialises in local independent designers, natural products and handmade pieces. The store’s window displays are a sight to behold and show off the store’s wonderful product ranges. Filled with local and imported treasures, you won’t have any problem finding the perfect gift at Lily and the Weasel ranging from leather wallets and purses, jewellery and garden products to kitchenware, candles and body creams. You can find Lily and the Weasel at 173 Swan Street.
Want the latest retail news delivered straight to your inbox? Click here to sign up to the retailbiz newsletter.