Closing The Physical Shop
Yes, you read it right; I’ll be closing the doors at Millinery Hub soon. Don’t worry too much. I’ll still be online.
The news may come as a shock to you, but it’s no shock that the last few years have been harsh. Added to the stress COVID has brought, going to the shop 5 or 6 days a week doesn’t fill me with joy. I want to do other things with my life. So, even though I’ve had some great times and love seeing your faces when you walk in the door, that’s not enough. Therefore, I’m reducing my range and Millinery Hub will soon be ‘online only.’
Thank you to all my loyal customers and anyone who has supported the shop. See you at the sale!
Your Questions Answered
When will you close?
I’m not sure yet. But, as soon as I drastically reduce the stock I have. In the next two months, I hope.
I didn’t see this coming. Is it that bad?
I’ve been talking about when we would lose our local suppliers for years now. I’ll repeat it. Support the local businesses you like because if you don’t, they’ll be gone. Many of you already do, and I thank you.
In recent years, it’s become easy for individuals to buy direct from the manufacturer, online from overseas or from a chain store. In addition, some of my suppliers are selling to you directly on Facebook and Instagram. I can’t compete with that.
Prices have gone up, but the expectation stays the same in many cases. Your customers don’t want to pay more, so it’s hard for you to pay more. But the reality is, I must increase to stay afloat. If the price makes your eyes water, it does the same to me when I buy. We don’t have a viable industry if we can’t all make money.
I don’t blame you for getting a good deal when you can. That’s the nature of business, but it is not without consequences. I also have a set of very loyal clients whom I thank for their continued support. These are just the realities that led me to the decision I made.
Reduced my stock range? Why? What will you be selling now?
I plan to sell the things specific to millinery that you can’t buy at Spotlight or Ali-Express etc.
So sinamay, parisisal, felt, Petersham and other hat bodies that hat makers are selling will be available. Powder stiffener, blocking pins, straw, needles, millinery wire and all that sort of thing included. Feathers are my favourite, and since I don’t think there is a good supplier in Australia, I’ll keep them.
But glue, thread, scissors etc., are easy to buy anywhere. So I won’t be restocking them.
I won’t be carrying all the bits and pieces that I know made the shop a ‘treasure trove’. But those things cost me a fortune in rent, and they have to go.
Why? Space costs money.
I’m in Melbourne, can I still visit?
I know what it’s like to try and buy online. You never know if the colour is correct, you can’t feel it etc. I hate shopping for this type of stuff online. But you can do it. Most of my customers have to shop online because they aren’t even in the state or the country. So, you’ll be surprised what you can do without visiting the shop.
At this stage, you will be able to make an appointment if you want to see things in person. But it’s not going to be the same as the shop. I won’t have opening hours.
Where will you be once you close?
I’m moving to my house not far from the shop now.
What about postage?
I’ll be posting orders from the exact location as I am now. So postage shouldn’t change much.
Where will all the other stuff go? Having a sale?
I’ll be selling it. Much of it is on sale online already. So head to the website to grab it before it’s gone. I’ll also be having a huge clearance sale on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May in-store. This sale will continue until I have sold what I need to sell. I’ll be selling a lot of stock at great, insane and ridiculous prices. Don’t miss it. Bring boxes, and bags to haul away your loot. And cash for an even better deal.
Sale Info
Starting Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May
9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Reduced stock. Damaged stock. Bulk buys. Shop fixtures (probably available later, but you can look).
Bring a box and or plenty of bags.
Pay by cash to receive 10% off sale items. EFTPOS is available.
Note: Some stock will be located upstairs. There will most likely be many people and only one of me. You may need to be patient.
Where am I located?
For those of you who are yet to visit, we are at 1287 North Road, Huntingdale, Victoria.
Easily accessible by car or train/public transport. See map.
Car parking is out the front of the shop. More is located on the other side of North Road, accessible under the bridge in Huntingdale Station Car Park.
Still have questions?
If you have any more questions, please get in touch with me.
lindsay@millineryhub.com.au
03 8510 3181
