We will be closed for a month over Christmas from 14th Dec - 14th Jan 2010.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Jane Barwick and Rebekah Cichero invite interested craftspeople, artists and designers to participate in Bowerbird Bazaar, an exciting event that will market Australian designer/maker art and wares to Adelaide audiences from the 26-28th March 2010.
Bowerbird Bazaar will provide a high-quality and dynamic environment where designers, artists and craftspeople are proud to showcase and promote their work. There is an emphasis on attracting appropriate retailers, businesses and media from SA and interstate to create ongoing relationships, opportunities and sales - in addition to selling to an enthusiastic public!
Bowerbird Bazaar encourages makers and designers from around Australia with a professional approach to their business to apply. The closing date for application is 15th Jan 2010.
Check out their website here www.bowerbirdbazaar.com.au
We talk to Anthea and Cass, the sisters behind super fab Australian online retail site, Collection of Cool.
Describe your business, Collection of Cool.
We strive to provide a retail experience not found elsewhere. It is an online store selling products with a design edge, that are unique, interesting and not readily available in mainstream stores. We like to think of our store as 'High Street' shopping, online. Anthea brings ideas, writing and editing while Cass markets the business in creative ways, and of course spreads the news through positive word of mouth.
What inspired you to establish Collection of Cool?
The general need for better choice when it comes to shopping and a love of beautifully designed things.
What is the greatest professional challenge you have faced since starting your business?
Shipping! Not only is it totally dull, it is really hard to figure out the easiest and most cost effective way for our customers - plus then implementing the system into the website.
What do you believe is essential for a successful online retail store?
Be creative, do things differently and try to inspire.
What inspires you when selecting products?
Australian designed and ethically made is one inspiration, along with an impressive aesthetic, quality and hipness.
What are your favourite products and why?
Anthea is a huge fan of eclectic stationery and loves the retro vintage gift tags by Percival Road and the Cavallini & Co range. I love photography too so I need to get a Polariod Po Go. Cass is in love with all the Thomas Paul and Danica Studio melamine dining ware. She thinks the truth.be.told notelet and writing sets are some of the cutest things she's seen. We both love OTTO Espresso - who wouldn't?
Where do you see your business in 5 years time?
Many more new and exciting products, plus we hope to include a vintage category. Many visitors every day, shopping, providing feedback which we may post live and/or a blog, as well as a really comprehensive "Other stuff we like" section to bring people back again and again.
Click here to visit Collection of Cool website
We are as proud as punch to have a delightful two page interview about us, appear in The Australian Giftguide magazine.
The interview gives a great run down of who I am and what I do at Outsource Marketing. It is also great to be able to gain some exposure for my business in the eastern states as that is where I want the products to be seen next.
The article includes some images from the current wholesale range-they look beautiful.
Thanks again to Marian, the magazine editor for the opportunity to showcase my business.
The Australian Giftguide is an award-winning quarterly publication that is regarded by retailers as ‘the Bible’ of the gift and homewares industry for over 35 years.
To read the full article click here and it will take you to the press page on the website.
