Nice message from my first supplier

Thanks Puneet for your kind words on your Puneet Jodhka: Contemporary Jewellery Artist blog. Much appreciated.

I look forward to working with you to make both our businesses a success.

Mens Ring- sterling silver, 18ct yellow gold, fine silver,copper, shibuichi, patina

Great support from Melbourne blog

A quick thanks to Karen from the blog Melbourne Jeweller who has included a short blurb about LORD COCONUT and the retail opportunity it can provide her readers.

Thanks a million!

Shop wall feature

I've just confirmed that I'll create an extra large image (wallpaper) of the photo below as a feature wall in the new space. It might be a bit grainy in blogger but should look a treat on a 5m X 2m wall. It'll tie in nicely with the store look and feel.

We have a shop!

Great News!

We have confirmed our new premises for the LORD COCONUT retail showroom and gallery in Carlow House (cnr Flinders Lane & Elizabeth Street).

Looking at the building from Elizabeth St - our space runs along Flinders Lane

Our address will be Suite 3, Level 4, 289 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. We do not get access to the space until 1st April as they are renovating the building.

The interior space with great large windows that open!

From theLvl 4 lift  foyer looking into showroom/gallery

We're very excited as the space is 33sqm (larger than we thought we could get) , has windows that open, it get lots of natural light and is in an interesting building with great tenants (and only a couple of minutes walk from home).

I look forward to getting this business up and going.

It all becomes very real from here.

Our logo.

Good News/Bad News

Bad News - Unfortunately we were unable to obtain the space we wanted in the GPO.
Good News - We're back to our original plan of looking for a suitable space to open a showroom/gallery specialising in handmade cuff links and contemporary men's jewellery. This will allow us greater control over opening hours and ensure that we creatively promote our business with monthly openings, stall at wedding shows (a necessary evil) and a bigger online presence.
Bad News - Nothing will happen before Xmas.
Good News - I've spoken to a few more potential suppliers who look like they are keen to get involved and expand this market.
Bad News - It's still raining

 
Good News - We checked out a 35sqm space in Carlow House(Cnr Elizabeth St and Flinders Lane) which looks promising (nice space and big windows which open)




One potential supplier, Puneet Jodhka, has even offered to develop men's jewellery for me exclusively when we can get our agreement right! Have a look at her work as I'm looking forward to working with her.

Lease Movement

Finally got some positive feedback from the GPO leasing agent and they are keen to progress discussions.

Fingers are crossed that the lease negotiations work out and we can finally get this shop up and going.

Unfortunately the delay means we miss Christmas trading (ouch!). With this in mind, the plan is to gain access to shop in January for a February opening (in time for Valentine's day).

Once lease negotiations are complete, I'll start to contact potential suppliers.

I'm learning to be patient.