Meet the Retailer

This week we’re getting to know Felicity from Funk Melbourne in Moonee Ponds….

1. Tell us a little about yourself?
I have been managing and owning my own business for a decade now collectively. I started out in the retail industry as a teenager and have progressively worked my way up to owning and operating my own retail and online business after completing a University Degree in Economics at La Trobe University, Melbourne. The opportunity arose for me to acquire the business that I had worked in while completing my uni degree and I thought to myself, ‘Let’s give it a shot’, as I didn’t particularly see myself stuck behind a desk and computer for the rest of my life.

2. Describe your store in one sentence?
Funk Melbourne is truly a ONE STOP GIFT SHOP – there really isn’t any need to look no further.

3. What do you sell?
Fun, unique, gifts with a difference. We have the biggest collection of unique, novel gifts under one roof. Funk Melbourne can help you with baby to birthday, travel, kitchen, jewellery, homewares, retro, housewarming, gift for him, gifts for her, children’s gifts, teenager’s gift and everything in between. Mother’s day, Father’s day, Christmas gifts, kk gifts, office kk’s, work colleagues and everything in between. Come instore to check out our range or visit our website. We are leaders in the giftware industry. You will always find the newest release and hottest products at Funk Melbourne first. And that’s a guarantee! Spare the headaches and save time and be sure to visit us first. We are always there to help you out.

4. What led you to opening Funk Melbourne?

After finishing my Bachelor of Economics I realised that my passion lay in retail. This was and is my calling. It gives me great satisfaction to be able to offer prospective customers something so much different than what the ‘Major’ retail chains bring forward. A door opened to give me this opportunity and I ‘ran’ with it for the last 5 years and am enjoying and looking forward to the future.

5. What do you love most about what you do?
I think the best part about my business is that I truly do love conversing and engaging with my customers. I love having a chat and finding out how they are doing and what person they need to find a gift for and being able to fulfill their needs. And also being able to offer my customers a point of difference when they are looking to buy their loved ones, friends and colleagues, gifts.

6. What are 3 of your favourite labels for kids?
They are always changing, but at the moment I love Rock Your Baby’s range of children’s clothing. Their range is affordable and stylish. Tiger Tribe is also one that tops the list. They do everything from playful Magnetic Play Books and educational Toys to practical backpacks and insulated lunch bags that mums are loving. I have just introduced Skip Hop to the shop and have had an exceptional response as there are limited stockists in the Moonee Ponds or north western areas of Melbourne. Skip Hop is a global brand recognized by discerning parents for innovation, great design and the highest quality in the baby products business. I am very proud to be able to represent this brand instore.

7. What’s one item you can’t live without?

I think that the one the thing that I cannot live without at the moment are the environmentally friendly Envirosax designer reusable bags. These bags are stylish and hold a maximum of 20KG (tried and tested, and also a little nicer than the ‘green bags’ when doing shopping other than grocery). They truly have been the best investment, especially when out and about and ‘BIG’ chain stores charge for plastic bags. Have one in you bag, never pay for plastic and help the environment.

8. Favourite place to shop for yourself?

The place that I most like visiting is my local pet shop. Obviously not for me, but for my little one, ZOE, the naughty 1 and a half year old staffie that still gets copious amounts of toy that literally are destroyed in less than 20 minutes. But I keep going back and buying more. Staff are fantastic and know that I am just too weak… In my mind I am helping stimulate such an uncertain economy so it’s justified right?? (Come see me instore if you have any issues and we can discuss). Otherwise, ANYWHERE that is able to do a fantastic pamper package. Massage and facial here I come.

9. If you weren’t running the store what other job would you like to do?

As I get older, I find that there is an increasing need to help the elderly. Maybe that will be my next calling. Only time will tell.