News & Discussion: CBD Retail

[Ben]

Boutique Stationary store Kikki K will open it's first Adelaide store, where Jay jay's currently is, in the mall. Not sure where they are moving too...

You mean stationery, of course. Unless there's some exciting news in Adelaide's future and we have to distinguish shops that are stationary from those that aren't.

The kikki.K story

When Swedish born Kristina “Kikki” Karlsson decided to set up a home office almost ten years ago, she couldn’t have known where that decision would take her. Today she is the creative director and founder of international fashion stationery label kikki.K – Swedish Home/Office Style, with rapidly growing retail boutiques in Australia, New Zealand & Singapore, and not to mention a stylish online store.

As she set about establishing her home office, Kristina struggled to find beautiful and stylish products which she had grown used to in her native Scandinavia. So she designed her own. By combining her appreciation of design with her love of stationery, the business was born. And today, thousands of stationery devotees around the world incorporate kikki.K’s designer products into their lives.

From first identifying a gap in the home office market, Kristina’s journey included a buying trip around the world, and extensive market research. Findings overwhelmingly revealed that Kristina wasn’t the only one having trouble combining form with function in her home office. While decorating one’s home in stylish products and furniture was a priority, the home office was so often forgotten. This was about to change.

In 2001, Kristina opened her first boutique in Melbourne Central. kikki.K, named after her childhood nickname and last initial, was an immediate success, striking a chord with Melbourne’s design-conscious. Not long after, the boutique was named Melbourne’s Most Innovative Store by the Lord Mayor.

By 2005 there were kikki.K boutiques in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The following year saw incredible growth with eight new boutiques opened, including the first foray into the international market in Auckland, New Zealand. And the business continues to expand each year.

The speed at which this young business has grown, and continues to grow, is testament to Kristina’s determination and self belief.

kikki.K’s success has not been lost on the Australian business community. Kristina has twice been a finalist in the Telstra Business Woman’s Awards, has been named Young Entrepreneur of the Year by Women Chiefs of Enterprise International, was named Most Successful New-Comer in the Swedish Business in Australia Awards, and was recently named Best Small Business in the Ethnic Business Awards.

[Will]

I was reading in 'Adelaide Matters', that RG Madden - The Design Store have opened up their sixth store, and first store in SA in Victoria Square, at 4/211 Victoria Square.

RG Madden was established in Melbourne 25 years ago, and seeks to make good design more accesible to the common man.

http://www.rgmadden.com.au/

[dsriggs]

I was reading in 'Adelaide Matters', that RG Madden - The Design Store have opened up their sixth store, and first store in SA in Victoria Square, at 4/211 Victoria Square.

RG Madden was established in Melbourne 25 years ago, and seeks to make good design more accesible to the common man.

http://www.rgmadden.com.au/

Yeah I saw that the other day. It's in the ground floor of the old SGIC building.

[bm7500]

The Gold Shop in Adelaide Arcade, Rundle Mall recently closed after 20 odd years in that location.

The site will soon become home to another mobile phone franchise, this time it's Telechoice.

I have seen the renders but can't post them here as yet. The facade will remain untouched as its heritage listed and just an interior refit will be undertaken.

The commencement of fitout and opening date is still subject to council approval.

[Ben]

That's disappointing. Good location for something with a bit more substance. Thanks for the info though.

[Omicron]

I shall never understand the prevalence of mobile phone stores, and the desire of people to visit them.

[Nathan]

Just noticed when walking on my lunch break, that B Sharp records on Rundle St has closed down after 21 years.

[Ben]

Please keep this thread on topic. it is about new Retial stores in the CBD and is NOT about Fast Food or Donuts. There are threads regarding this ealsewhere. Please use them!

[omada]

Just noticed when walking on my lunch break, that B Sharp records on Rundle St has closed down after 21 years.

That is a shame, but a product of the modern age, "tangible" products such as cd's and vinyl etc are dead. Torrents and itunes are unfortunately a much more convenient way to get music. The days of funky little cd and record shops are gone, which I feel detracts from the interesting mix of retail on Rundle Street. Lets hope that Big Star records continues to thrive..

[Nathan]

Just noticed when walking on my lunch break, that B Sharp records on Rundle St has closed down after 21 years.

That is a shame, but a product of the modern age, "tangible" products such as cd's and vinyl etc are dead. Torrents and itunes are unfortunately a much more convenient way to get music. The days of funky little cd and record shops are gone, which I feel detracts from the interesting mix of retail on Rundle Street. Lets hope that Big Star records continues to thrive..

I disagree that cd's and vinyl are dead. In fact, vinyl sales have actually been slowly increasing. It's surprising really, given that the target market of B Sharp I'd have thought wouldn't really be into buying off iTunes or pirating music. Sure mainstream music stores have probably noticed it (except for the elephant in the room, JB Hi-Fi), but small independent stores ideally should be able carve themselves a niche.

That said, I don't think Big Star is doing all that great at the moment either. They've sold off their Norwood store to Title, and have had a sign in the window of their Rundle St store asking for a cashed up (and passionate) investor to join the business.

[Ben]

Smiggle will be opening in Rundle Mall where Crazy Johns currently is in the next couple of months.

[Mants]

there's a great little record shop on youk street, off bent street, near the zenhouse, mr v i think it's called. check it out oif you're interested in vinyls!

[Will]

Just saw an ad on channel 9. Tomorrow on their 6 O'clock news there will be a story about the recent spate of openings of high-end retail stores in Adelaide.

[Ben]

Just saw an ad on channel 9. Tomorrow on their 6 O'clock news there will be a story about the recent spate of openings of high-end retail stores in Adelaide.

Awesome. if someone could record that would be great as i will be out at that time

[crawf]

Yes could someone please tape this for us ex Adelaidians

I can't believe how many high-end stores have opened in the past year.