A Melbourne retail company that focuses on championing independent designers has announced it is closing.
Design A Space, which has two stores in Fitzroy and the CBD, announced “with a heavy heart” it would shut its doors after 16 years of operation.
“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,” the company wrote on social media.
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“The past 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.”
Design A Space was launched in 2006 by husband and wife duo Bec and Chris Lutz.
At the time, Bec owned a fashion label.
The business model allowed smaller designers to rent out a physical space to showcase their products to a wider audience.
The idea was born out of Bec’s frustration with buyers who were unwilling to take a risk with some of her more creative or limited-edition designs.
“A culmination of this issue (and) the lack of variety in fashion retail stores — we hatched the idea of having a space that could change all the time,” the company’s website states.
“A home where designers could essentially have their own space, show off their more creative pieces and gain great exposure.”
Both Design A Space’s stores will close on July 15.
A number of designers are offering up to 40 per cent off in the final days.
The retailer is the latest in a host of companies which have shut up shop, with popular children’s shoe brand Minnow Designs recently ceasing operations.
Similarly to Design A Space, the shoe brand said events of recent years had put on a strain on the company.
“After four years of hits with bushfires, La Nina and COVID all heavily impacting our business, we are burnt out and have decided to close the business,” Minnow Designs co-founder and director Stacey Fisher wrote on social media.
The company launched in 2016 and was sold at major retailers including David Jones, The Iconic, and Rebel stores.
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