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\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\u201cWe\u2019ve spent almost 15 years building Kip&Co, growing the brand and getting to a point where we could create a physical space that genuinely represented everything we stand for,\u201d McCabe told SmartCompany. <\/p>\n
The Fitzroy store, which opens on Thursday, has been in the works for 18 months, says McCabe, who founded the brand with Kate Heppell and Hayley Pannekoecke. Kip&Co worked with interior architecture studio State of Play to develop the store\u2019s concept, customer journey, bespoke furniture and finishes, and \u201cthe way each category would live within the space\u201d, says McCabe. <\/p>\n
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By continuing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe never wanted to rush it or simply open a traditional shop,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n \u201cWe wanted to create a true Kip&Co home, and that took time, collaboration and a huge amount of consideration.\u201d<\/p>\n Kip&Co specialises in bedding, clothing for adults and children, tableware, bath products and home accessories, and has become known for its collaborations with Australian artists, Indigenous makers<\/a> and the creators of beloved children\u2019s characters \u2013 from May Gibbs\u2019 Gumnut Babies to Blinky Bill.\u00a0<\/p>\n The breadth of the range is a key reason why Kip&Co now felt ready to open its own flagship store, says McCabe. <\/p>\n \u201cOpening our own store has been a dream for a long time, but we always knew that when we did it, it had to feel completely Kip&Co,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n \u201cWe wanted to wait until we could create a true physical home for the brand, where people could experience the colour, pattern, texture and creativity of Kip&Co in a way they simply can\u2019t through a screen.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s no secret that 2026 has been a particularly tough year<\/a> for Australian retailers of all shapes and sizes, but Kip&Co is part of a growing trend of Australian brands venturing into the world of physical retail after building and nurturing a community online<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cPhysical retail has to offer an experience, a sense of discovery and a genuine connection to the brand\u201d, says McCabe. <\/p>\n \n\t\t\tRelated Article Block Placeholder<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tArticle ID: 343731\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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