Retails shops that stock independent handmade??

[ms salt-shaker]

Hi there,

I'm in the process of selling my handmade goods to a couple of store in Melbourne. Pip from Meet me at mikes (http://meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com/) found my magnets on flickr and I'm sending a batch down tmw.

I would like, as I'm sure other sellers on madeit would like to know other shop that sell independent & handmade goods in Australia.

Tell all you fav handmade/independent shop and spread the love....

Thanks in advance...

[shelbyville]

When I was in Brisbane, I sold my handbound leather books at Craft Queensland (now called Artisan or Mart or something...), so you could definitely try your local Craft Victoria or Object Gallery (which I think is the Sydney version). I know that from experience though, these places specialise in "designed" goods moreso than "crafty" goods.

Other stores I know of, that you might try, are Pocket Space in Hobart; Made590 and Via Alley in Sydney; High Tea With Mrs Woo in Newcastle; and depending on your products, the Sticky store in Melbourne.

The downside of retail is the 50% cut that a retailer will want, so you either have to increase/double the RRP, or you can make less on each sale, or both. I know that Craft Queensland put a 100% markup on each product, and THEN GST on top of that, and unfortunately this can price a lot of handmade items out of the market.

That's why MadeIt is so good! It's one of the few retail avenues where handmade goodies are accessible and affordable, AND the maker/artist can keep a greater proportion of the sale amount.

[boxofglory]

You could try 'little salon' which is on Gertrude St Fitzroy and on Flinders Lane in the CBD... or 'Kids in Berlin' on Victoria St North Melbourne...

Those are the places I plan to approach some time in the future when I further establish my label.

[ramsdendesigns]

Great thread. Anyone know of any Perth outlets?

[Polyclarific]

I would also be interested in any Perth outlets, I'll keep my eye on this thread.

[ms salt-shaker]

Since my last post.. My search has found...

Perth

Harry High Pants
259 William St, Northbridge,
http://www.harryhighpants.com.au

Lala Orange
411 William Street
Northbridge, WA

Ruck Rover
Shop 4, 595 Beaufort st (Cnr Chelmsford rd)
Mount Lawley, WA
http://www.ruckrover.com.au/

Melbourne

Hunter Gatherer
82A Acland Street, St Kilda
274 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
http://www.huntergatherer.com.au/hg/index.php

Hummingbird 60
60 High st Northcote VIC
http://www.hummingbird60.com

Milly Sleeping
Some where in Melbourne
http://www.millysleeping.com

Little Salon
71 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
Shop 1, 353 Little Collins St, Melbourne
http://www.littlesalon.com.au/

In.cube8r Gallery
321 smith street, Fitzroy VIC (near johnston st)
http://incube8r.com/

curious eidolon
80 Johnston st, Fitzroy
http://www.curiouseidolon.com/

meet me at mikes
106 Bridge Road, Richmond 3121
63 brunswick street fitzroy
http://www.meetmeatmikes.com/




please add more.. if you know of any independent retail shops

[Ali J]

I'm adding to the list -

Perth

Harry High Pants
259 William St, Northbridge,
http://www.harryhighpants.com.au

Lala Orange
411 William Street
Northbridge, WA

Ruck Rover
Shop 4, 595 Beaufort st (Cnr Chelmsford rd)
Mount Lawley, WA
http://www.ruckrover.com.au/

Behind The Monkey
479 Beaufort St
Mount Lawley, WA

Libertine
Mount Lawley, WA

Keith and Lottie
Northbridge, WA
http://www.keithandlottie.com

Melbourne

Hunter Gatherer
82A Acland Street, St Kilda
274 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
http://www.huntergatherer.com.au/hg/index.php

Hummingbird 60
60 High st Northcote VIC
http://www.hummingbird60.com

Milly Sleeping
Some where in Melbourne
http://www.millysleeping.com

Little Salon
71 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
Shop 1, 353 Little Collins St, Melbourne
http://www.littlesalon.com.au/

In.cube8r Gallery
321 smith street, Fitzroy VIC (near johnston st)
http://incube8r.com/

curious eidolon
80 Johnston st, Fitzroy
http://www.curiouseidolon.com/

meet me at mikes
106 Bridge Road, Richmond 3121
63 brunswick street fitzroy
http://www.meetmeatmikes.com/

Gallery 696
696 Sydney Rd
Brunswick, VIC, 3056

Brisbane


I'll try to find the other stores I have listed, I know the paperwork is here somewhere... :)

[art4friends]

dammmm i was just about to suggest gallery 696!!!
but you beat me too it ali j!

thats the only place i sell at, but they are GREAT!

[boxofglory]

While we are on the topic of B&M shops... how do you actually go about approaching them to ask if they'd be interested in stocking your products? I am really nervous about doing this. Do you just give them a business card? Do you print out catalogues? Do you give them a sample pack? Do you call them or visit? Is an e-mail too informal? Do you consign or wholesale?

Any answers to the above questions would be greatly appreciated. I am so clueless!

[muchlove]

While we are on the topic of B&M shops... how do you actually go about approaching them to ask if they'd be interested in stocking your products? I am really nervous about doing this. Do you just give them a business card? Do you print out catalogues? Do you give them a sample pack? Do you call them or visit? Is an e-mail too informal? Do you consign or wholesale?

Any answers to the above questions would be greatly appreciated. I am so clueless!

Hi,

Well I've mainly been stocking at Meet Me at Mike's on consignment, and with them all I did was come in and show my items to them. I'm a totally shy person, so I was really really nervous beforehand (I must've walked past the shop 2 or 3 times before I actually had the nerve to go in!), but they were very friendly and open to my work.
And recently I've started stocking at 696, which I did by contacting them through myspace.

I'm hoping to approach 1 or 2 other places soon. I'm thinking of just coming in with a sample of my work, but I'm not sure, perhaps there's a better way of doing it? I'm still new to this so I'm a bit clueless myself :D

[Emmarose]

I am thinking of doing the same thing. Unfortunately there are no independant shops where I live, but I am planning on approaching some of the local gift stores. I had thought about writing a letter, asking to set up a time to meet with them to show them my products. My hubby suggested I should send a little sample of my work so they can get a feel for it. I don't think I would be game to just walk in off the street.... I have gone in to the stores as a shopper and collected their business cards, so I have details of email etc. One day I will get up the courage. I am glad to hear other people sounding hesistant, about 'putting yourself out there' it make me feel better/normal.

[aishii]

hmm anything in sydney??

[MagicJelly]

I'm pretty shy too when it comes to peddling my wares. I should be more pro-active about it & have to admit, I usually let retailers & clients come to me rather than getting out there & finding them.

I usually get people emailing me with whoesale enquiries. I have a pdf price list uploaded that they can take a look at, I let them know what my terms are (I don't do consignment normally, just wholesale) & we take it from there.

If you're a little on the shy side, you could have a gallery of product pics or a portfolio online & a downloadable price list, & try emailing potential retailers with links to them rather than fronting up to the shop door.

Having a mailing list for product updates & promotions helps too.

[muchlove]

thanks MagicJelly,
that's a good idea about having a downloadable price list.
I've recently emailed a couple of potential stockists with a small gallery of my accessories. *still waiting for a response*
There was one that I approached in person, but they ended up asking me to just email them anyway (the person you meet may not always be the one in charge of the prodcut selection).

ps. Magicjelly, I'm in LOVE with your designs!!

[annalaura]

I'm going to add to the list

Perth

thebutchershop
Rear 276 William Street
Northbridge, 6003
Western Australia


Lick Clothing
Shop 12/11 Station Street
Cottesloe WA 6011

Harry High Pants
259 William St, Northbridge,
http://www.harryhighpants.com.au

Lala Orange
411 William Street
Northbridge, WA

Ruck Rover
Shop 4, 595 Beaufort st (Cnr Chelmsford rd)
Mount Lawley, WA
http://www.ruckrover.com.au/

Behind The Monkey
479 Beaufort St
Mount Lawley, WA

Libertine
Mount Lawley, WA

Keith and Lottie
Northbridge, WA
http://www.keithandlottie.com


Melbourne

Hunter Gatherer
82A Acland Street, St Kilda
274 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
http://www.huntergatherer.com.au/hg/index.php

Hummingbird 60
60 High st Northcote VIC
http://www.hummingbird60.com

Milly Sleeping
Some where in Melbourne
http://www.millysleeping.com

Little Salon
71 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
Shop 1, 353 Little Collins St, Melbourne
http://www.littlesalon.com.au/

In.cube8r Gallery
321 smith street, Fitzroy VIC (near johnston st)
http://incube8r.com/

curious eidolon
80 Johnston st, Fitzroy
http://www.curiouseidolon.com/

meet me at mikes
106 Bridge Road, Richmond 3121
63 brunswick street fitzroy
http://www.meetmeatmikes.com/

Gallery 696
696 Sydney Rd
Brunswick, VIC, 3056

Corky St Claire
shop 3
degraves street subway
melbourne 3000 vic

Monk House
102 Lygon Street,
East Brunswick,
ph: (03) 9381 119144
Lt LaTrobe Street,
Melbourne City,
ph: (03) 9639 2100

Miss Lau
Flinders Lane Melbourne

Kids In Berlin
472 Victoria Street
North Melbourne
Victoria, Australia

I Dream A Highway
259 High Street
Northcote
Victoria, Australia

Brunswick Bound
361 Sydney Road
Brunswick
Victoria, Australia

SOMEBUDDY LOVES YOU
03 9415 7066
Fitzroy VIC

Lulu, Balaclava, VIC



Victoria

Anomaly
1-3/186 High street
Belmont, Geelong
Victoria, Australia

Bob Boutique
Shamrock building
17 Williamson Street
Bendigo
Victoria, Australia



New South Wales/ACT

Dragstar Clothing
535a King St
Newtown, Sydney
New South Wales, Australia

The Hive
25 Lonsdale Street
Braddon, Canberra
ACT, Australia

Betty Mim
167 Darby Street
Cooks Hill, Newcastle
New South Wales, Australia



South Australia

Irving Baby
40 Hindley Street,
Adelaide



Tasmania

Small Rhino
Shop 3,
Bank Arcade
64 - 68 Liverpool Street
Hobart, Tas, AUS 7000

[tamptation]

I got a message via etsy and said there's a new shop called "Shop in a qube" in Perth shopping center which let you rent a space and put your stuffs there. Here's the link
http://shopinaqube.blogspot.com/

I personally think it's too expensive for me and I also don't know how to manage my stocks coz I am in Sydney. But yeh.. maybe some of you in Perth would be interested.

Suki
http://tamptation.etsy.com

[boxofglory]

That sounds a lot like the incub8r concept, except the prices are WAY higher and they take 10% commission from sales. Sounds like they're ripping people off to me.

[GetSilvered]

That sounds a lot like the incub8r concept, except the prices are WAY higher and they take 10% commission from sales.
The prices do seem very high so it's way out of my budget to consider it.
Having said that, it's in a huge shopping Centre here in the Perth Suburbs so maybe they have to pass on their own high rental costs.

[annalaura]

I like the idea of something in a shopping centre, only to bring independent designs to the masses I guess. Although I find shopping centres really scary, they are also handy when everything is in the one place, but I would love to have the option to buy items that are not the usual mass produced crud. It is a shame if their rent is high, making the cost for people like us far to high, because nobody will be able to do it. I know I wouldn't be able to afford the cost of it, and a lot of other people have said the same. I think the fact that they take a % from the sale as well as the rental is too much also. Thanks for posting it Suki, I got the email also.

[696]

Hey all,

To all those that have mentioned us.. thank you so much for the props.. The reason for this though is some advice for all those artists wanting to take the plunge and approach stores! ...

DO IT!! Dont stress! The worst anyone can say is , no thank you we arent looking for anything else right now, and really you dont know till you try. If someone is rude to you, would you really like to deal with themon a proffessional note anyway! NO!! hey did you a favour by showing their true colours!!

We have had some amazingly talented people approach us, via email, myspace, facebook, phone or even walking in off the street!! It doesnt matter, if your work can compliment our store and we believe we can do you and your work justice we are up for it, so as scary as it is, you will probably be suprised with peoples reactions. Take the plunge!!! 98% of the shops mentioned by everyone else are really fantastic shops, in Perth definitly check out, Keith & Lottie (William St) and Libertine (just off Beaufort St)

Good luck X

[Erin Jane]

I'm desperately searching for Sydney stores... Perhaps a move to Melb would be easier?!

[bottledupemotions]

I haven't had much luck with online boutique stores. A lot of them stock textile items as oppose to fragrances and aromatherapy. Will keep trying though! :)

[Emmarose]

I know what you mean Erin Jane! Apparently I have to move to Melbourne to find like minded people as myself. Apparently there is no such thing as Arts and Crafts in Queensland. Especially not Central Queensland! If I win the lottery I plan to open a craft gallery in Rockhampton....... wish me luck on that one!

[sketch]

Hi Emma,
I visited Brisbane in January and found a super sweet store called The Servo it stocks all handmade loveliness. The website isn't working yet, however, here is their info;
www.theservo.com.au
78 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington, Brisbane 07 3876 4401
Di

[Erin Jane]

I know what you mean Erin Jane! Apparently I have to move to Melbourne to find like minded people as myself. Apparently there is no such thing as Arts and Crafts in Queensland. Especially not Central Queensland! If I win the lottery I plan to open a craft gallery in Rockhampton....... wish me luck on that one!

Thank god for forums like this then hey?! :) I feel quite fortunate in that I am surrounded by like-minded people but this lack of stores is a pain. Though perhaps I need to look harder?

Good luck with the lottery funded store!! I have my fingers crossed for you :)

[beyondjapan]

I have a retail shop in Surry Hills and am thinking of renting shelf space by the month, just wondering if there is a market for this type of business. My shop sells Japanese goods so I'd have to only allow Asian inspired/designed handmade goods. I'm thinking $50/month premium spot, $40/month lower shelf, $30/month bottom shelf and 15% service fee on all sales. Shelf space is 30cm high, 60cm wide and 40cm deep. Anyone be interested?

[karasmith]

Emma, a shop in Rockhampton would be wonderful! We found it very lacking in creative spaces and I know a lot of gals up there would be really supportive. Would rents be high?

Erin, I find Sydney is the hardest market - Melbourne the easiest. I'm not sure why but find Melbourne is much 'riskier' and really goes for it!

[Aqeel]

why don't you sell your hand made in rest of the countries like uk, usa, germany, etc...

[karasmith]

Easier said than done! The US dollar is almost on par with ours so the US isn't keen to buy. Then postage is really high so the profit margin is much less for overseas wholesale.

I have one stockist in NZ. Anna Laura has o/seas stockists (I think, is that right Anna?).

[annalaura]

Yeah, I have a stockist in Atlanta. I wish I could go over and see them.

I think the best thing to do is just contact people. If they are not interested move on and find someone else. Don't take it personally, they might love your stuff but have spent that seasons budget already. Also remember shops are usually really busy as well, so if you are contacting them make it really easy for them to see your stuff and find out as much about you in one go.

[katcharly]

wow guys this is an awesome thread
i will be definately contacting some retailers im looking to get my illustrations into shops

thanks guys

[Blackmarketvoodoo]

Another to go on the list:
Village Idiom
Anderson st
Yarraville
Contact: Alexis

[cc21]

Hi All,

New to all this and what to get my craft out there and selling. I was just wondering if you could tell me how it works with the stores, do they get a percentage of the sale,if so what kind of percentage, do they charge you to stock your goodsand how much.

I'm in Melbourne, so is there any one store that stands out as a good starting point?

Not sure if this is the way I should start first. I've got as far as putting flyer in kinders, childcare centres ect. but nothing at this stage, although it has only been 2 weeks! What are you thoughts on doing a market,and if so which would you recommend...cost efffective one please. The delema I have with a market is that my goods are made to order, so I would have to make a few up for the stall, hoping that they will sell.

What are your thoughts, any ideas and guidance would be much appreciated!!

Thanks

[thelittleorchard]

Hi cc21,

Have you set up a madeit or etsy shop yet? They are great places to start. Both can take a while to get sales on, but once you get a good inventory it seems to pick up, its just maintaining it, and that can be hard.

My experience with shops has been regular retail store type orders where they order stock based on what is in my etsy or madeit, they pay upfront and then I supply. Generally these are small orders, around $100 worth of stock.

I havent done markets yet as I am usually working saturdays and with my partner sundays.

I imagine someone else will also put in their ideas for you.

[isy]

hello crafties,

i just wanted to add...

altho we're full at present, we are ALWAYS open to anyone that makes anything.

other retailers in the area are ready to close their doors due to the economic down turn and the winter season, we however made $14.5k this july.

people are hankering and hunting for the handmade and we're getting our name out there... just google incube8r

we have many cube holders who have regularly made over a grand from a $30 cube per month.

this gallery space has been designed as a challenge for artists to trial their wares, new products, change and display, their stock whenever they like and have no commission added or subtracted from their work.

if you're looking for somewhere to sell check out incube8r.com

happy crafting :)

regards, isy

[boxofglory]

I'll definitely be back to incub8r once I have enough money to pay for the rental again... I loved having a cube there... so I encourage any other craftsters to give it a go :)