Playing Shop – Creating Our Dream Stores From Life Instyle

Ah, to have a shop of one’s own: a light-drenched space filled with treasures and curiosities and a shop cat snuggling on an old armchair in one corner… Admit it: at some point in your life you’ve woken up and realised that what you really, really want, is to sell cool stuff in a cool space. We sure have! And if we ever did take the leap and set up these little castles in the sky of ours, we’d totally source our stock from the amazing creators and suppliers being showcased at the Life Instyle trade expo in Melbourne from 31 July to 3 August at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne.

The folks at Life Instyle do the hard work for retailers (both current and aspiring) by introducing them to the creative makers and creators who’ll fill their stores with fabulous global and Australian lifestyle products that are ‘just so’. It works the other way around, too: makers connect with potential stockists and access valuable resources that will help them learn, grow, and thrive in their own businesses. ‘The Business Couch’ offers one-on-one business coaching sessions, while free Retail Therapy Seminar sessions provide inside info on the latest trends and retail strategies. And then there’s the Institute of Style: an exciting live installation space where renowned stylist Tim Neve will be delving into the science of styling and mixing things up on the daily. 

The best bit? The Life Instyle team are rather passionate about design integrity and quality, setting them apart from other trade shows – you’ll discover over 300 exhibitors across 27 product categories at the Melbourne exhibition, all creating what you’ve been searching for. Aussie- and ethically made, eco aware, handcrafted charm… Stocking your store becomes a breeze! So easy, in fact, that the Peppermint team have gone and ‘stocked’ our dream shops from some of the brands that will be featured at Life Instyle. Take a peek inside our stores, and get ready to show us your money! 

LIFE INSTYLE IMAGES: SAMEE LAPHAM

Welcome Home

Publisher and Editor-in-chief Kelley’s homewares haven

Oh the dream of owning a store! I, like many, have vivid memories of playing shop in my little years, ringing up imaginary cash registers with my friend’s purchases of fruit, biscuits, toys… whatever random objects we could rustle up for our one-stop shop! While I’m sure in this current economic climate, it’s not as rosy for shopkeepers as our daydreams conjured (even more reason to support small businesses when we can!), it’s still something I muse over. 

I’ve just moved recently and so making our new apartment as homely and personal and joyful as possible has been a top priority, so my store would most definitely be a homewares shop! (With David from the Blouse Barn on the till, of course.) Nice bedding is a must so I’d stock lovely linen from Carlotta + Gee, fair trade, organic cotton sheets and pillowcases from Lazybones and artisan-made block printed linen cushions from Humble Living. I’m pretty certain your couch needs a beautifully crafted throw made from recycled cotton with designs from Indigenous and Australian artists, so Good Throw Co blankets will be well-stocked. My home is filled with ceramics and so I think yours should be too; I’ll be showcasing several brands like the handmade, rustic pottery by Mark Gambino, the sleek, minimalist offerings from Marmoset Found, the handpainted colours of Noss and Co, and the stunning designs from Poppy & Pepper. (I might need to personally pre-test all these brands, because I care about my customers). Having friends over is an important way to inject some love into your home, and while their presence is all that matters, we can still dream of pretty parties with pink wave glasses from Fazeek, or lazing poolside with unbreakable drinkware from Porter Green and coolers and tumblers from Huski. Stop by between 11am–2pm Tuesdays only – I’ll be product testing outside those hours.   

Word Up

Deputy Ed Donnay’s bookstore

Much like Bernard Black, I’m unlikely to ever want to sell any of the actual books my dream bookstore would stock… (They’re all my precioussss…) But I’d offer other enticements to customers brave enough to enter my doors!

I totally judge a book by its packaging, so would treat my customers to prettily wrapped purchases featuring Atelier de Thiers’s handmade paper labels, and Bespoke Letterpress’s glorious gift wrap. No bookshop worth its salt wouldn’t stock journals – Notely’s Australian-made, sustainable notebooks are both functional and beautiful, while Forget Me Not notebooks and keepsakes are perfect for preserving memories. I’m a sucker for quirky greeting cards, and my ideal customer will be, too: expect fun goodies from Brunswick-based creatives Able and Game, and an unapologetic curseword or two from the legends at Bad On Paper. 

Be warned: my shop will also be your gateway into birdwatching, with a little help from printmaker Bridget Farmer’s birdy books, games, and enamel pins. And finally: left your shopping bag at home? If you ask me very nicely I MIGHT sell you a tote from certified Aboriginal business, B-Corp and social enterprise Clothing The Gaps, celebrating Aboriginal people and culture. But they’re super cool so I think I’ll just keep them for myself. Sorry. (At this rate I won’t be able to keep my doors open for long, but everybody’s getting amazing Christmas presents!)

The Diva Domain

Sewing Manager Laura’s fabulous fashion and accessories hub

Welcome to your dream dress-up domain! The moment you strut your fabulous self across the threshold of my shop you’ll be struck by how welcome you feel, how glorious the store looks and how many beautifully created and curated garments and adornments are waiting for you to try them on! Fitting rooms are spacious and stylish, with great lighting and massive mirrors. There’s even a hook for your bag on the wall and a little seat should you need it. Perfection! And the staff? Well, I’m the staff and let me tell you I am here to gas you up baby! I’ll help you make selections that align with your personal style and make you feel amazing. Consider me your personal stylist and cheerleader!
Now let’s get down to (shopping) business. Head to the big wooden farmhouse table in the centre of the room and gather your selection of soft and beautiful Paire merino wool basics to ensure you’ve got your comfortable outfit foundation covered. Next, head to the Boho Born racks and grab a bold button-up shirt or matching set of hand-printed wonder. Good luck walking past the cool oversized and snuggly hoodies! Looking for something fabulous to swan about in? Then don’t miss our range of Patara Life hand-printed soft muslin cotton robes and breezy linen beachwear to get you vacay-ready (whether you’re going on vacay or not). Don’t forget to grab a gorgeous linen tote to stow your fabulous finds. At The Diva Domain we subscribe to the idea that ‘more is more’ so don’t leave until you’ve accessorised your fine self with the simply gorgeous jewels from Maison Otto. From earrings to rings, sweet little enamel pins and pendants the Maison Otto range is ready to elevate your outfit with their fabulous French stylings. By now we’ve probably become besties so let’s swap insta handles and catch up for coffee sometime soon!

Milly Molly Mandy’s

Advertising and Partnerships Manager Mandy’s family-friendly lifestyle store

On the hunt for the perfect gift for someone you love? (No matter their age?) Step into Milly Molly Mandy’s – my dream family concept that’s big on practicality, with just a touch of quirk and whimsy (a bit like me, really!). It’s packed with thoughtful, feel-good finds for all ages, from tiny tots to Nan and Pop. In my experience of motherhood, it’s the word-of-mouth or recommendations from other mamas that I treasure and value so much in daily parenting: from a slow cooker recipe for a weeknight and a kids’ drink bottle that actually doesn’t leak to end-of-season gift ideas for a netball coach (hello, Rad Coach from Banabae!). I’d create a store that feels like a besties’ group chat, filled with treasures recommended or tried and tested by other mama bears.

So, what’s on my shelves? I ADORE the Banabae range, with its ’70s retro nostalgic style. It stands apart from the sea of blues and pinks for babes, and their gift collections are great. (Think Rad Nan or Rad Dad + Pop for occasions like Mother’s and Father’s Day.)

For big family outings, Kollab is my go-to: their picnic rugs are roomy and their beach bags actually fit everything a family of five needs. I’m obsessed with the Kollab wet bags (so handy for swimming lessons or Sunday sessions at the beach). I’d also stock their new Rhythm First Aid Kit in store: a must-have to keep in the back of the car.

You can’t underestimate the power and magic of cuddly childhood toys – something Lily & George understands all too well! Your kids will treasure their whimsical toys and keepsakes forever. To inject creativity and magic into the world, I’d stock Little Potion Co’s fun potion kits for little witches and wizards. And I couldn’t open Milly Molly Mandy’s without making room for Strong Brave Kind Smart: unique, quirky kids’ clothing with affirmations and words of positivity infused into collections – so kids are reminded daily of what matters and how wonderful they are. 

Memory Lane

Community & Subscriptions Manager Emily’s Art Shop

Welcome to Memory Lane Art Shop! We’ve created a cosy, comforting corner filled with art and stationery. I believe art has the power to visually unlock hidden parts of ourselves – even those we may not yet be aware of. My walls are brimming with everything from bold graphic illustrations to subtle fine-line drawings. I’m inspired by artists who evoke that warm, sentimental feeling: the kind that reminds us of familiar places, cherished people, and meaningful experiences. Whether you’re looking to brighten your home or share the joy of illustration with someone special, this is your creative space to explore and enjoy! Ready to adorn your walls? Allow me to make a few suggestions…

This art print from To The Trees brings back memories of seaside holidays, and is perfect for anyone who loves our native sea life. I’m also smitten with Hayley Wilson’s fine art print of her hand-drawn protea and eucalyptus: a beautiful reminder of the connections we have to our natural environment and the memories made when you receive a nature-filled bouquet.

Little Rowan Redhead’s bold, exciting printmaking will add graphic flair to your art collection. I especially love her wooden Pavlova Christmas ornament. Such a cute way to add some art and spark a conversation around the tree! Finally, this Cat print by Popcorn Blue is just the cosy reminder you need of your furry friend and the (hopefully) calm oasis waiting for you when you come home!

Better Together is a collection of Peppermint Partnerships where we team up with brands we love to bring you inspirational stories. We’re so grateful for their help so we can keep doing what we do!

THIS POST WAS CREATED WITH THE SUPPORT OF OUR FRIENDS AT LIFE INSTYLE, THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR HIGH-END TRADE RETAIL. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE BEST BRANDS FOR YOUR STORE, MAKE SURE YOU DON’T MISS THE NEXT EVENT IN MELBOURNE 31 JULY – 3 AUGUST AT THE ROYAL EXHIBITION CENTRE.