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| Trilogie |
| This homeware retailer specialises in nostalgic "granny chic". |
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What began as a one-off Christmas catalogue venture for homeware retailers Rhonda Miller and then partner Tracey Hocking, has grown into a thriving mail order business called Trilogie. While still servicing their rural customers by mail-order, there's now also a concept store in Mosman with plans to expand into the UK. Rhonda describes it as nostalgic homewares reminiscent of another time. Tara meets Rhonda to find out more.
Back in November 1999, Rhonda and Tracey noticed a demand for mail order homewares through callers to their respective businesses, Shack Homewares and Lazybones. They decided to experiment with a proposed one off catalogue attached to an edition of Marie-Claire Lifestyle magazine. After a huge 400 orders and $250,000 worth of merchandise sold, their suspicions of a niche market were confirmed.
They opened the shop eight months ago and although Tracey has since left the business, Rhonda's family are heavily involved, especially during busy periods. Their overall success is mainly due to word of mouth and many of their regional callers particularly like the personal service. While the eastern seaboard is their largest market, they have a strong presence in rural Australia as they deliver even where the couriers don't service.
The 'granny chic' style looks to the past for inspiration and ways to make life more comfortable. Rhonda's childhood is reflected in the range as she grew up visiting relatives on their cattle farms. The majority of the stock is exclusive and they design and source themselves. They run ads in regional newspapers looking for local artisans. For example, their bedsocks are made by the women's knitting bee in Orange, the dog and cat beds are made by a lady in Harbord and the candles from two guys in Newtown. A lot of ideas for products come out of their regular staff brainstorming sessions.
They do catalogues seasonally and their winter range is about to be released. The price varies from about $2.50 for scented balsa wood flowers to $2500 for the French-washed antique beds. Future plans are to open another store in Sydney and one in Melbourne and by next year a store in the UK. They've had so many requests from UK wholesalers that Rhonda thought they may as well have their own outlet.
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More Info
Trilogie
587 Military Road
Mosman 2088
PH: 02 9960 7900
For mail order: 1800 300 300
www.trilogie.com.au
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