Melbourne based retailer Design A Spaced is shutting up shop after 17 years of providing small brands an opportunity to show their products to a larger audience.
Founded by Chris and Bec Lutz in 2006, Design A Space rents floor space to independent brands to showcase their collections including homemade jewellery, fashion, artwork and homewares.
On the Design A Space website, the husband-and-wife team state that in the current economic climate they could no longer keep the business viable, which had grown from one to three stores.
“We have fought hard to keep the stores alive, however, with the rise of costs in every aspect of our business it is no longer profitable to remain open,” they said.
“The last three years have been extremely challenging for us as well as our incredible designers and with the current financial climate, it is proving very difficult. We know so many of you have put your support behind Design A Space and for this we are very grateful.”
While the Windsor location already closed down in April, the Fitzroy and CBD stores will trade until mid-July.
“Our Fitzroy and city stores will be closing on 15 July, so please come down and support our Independent Australian designers one last time.”
Conditions for small businesses are less favourable than their larger counterparts, adds National Retail Association (NRA) CEO, Greg Griffith. The NRA represents more than 60,000 stores across Australia.
“The recent Federal Budget has delivered on some cost-relief measures such as the Small Business Energy Incentive and the continuation of the instant asset write-off. However, there is still a need for ongoing government support for the retail sector.”
