Oxford St gets a taste of designer culture

The $2 Shop is about to get a run for its money. This February The Dollar Shop is set to open in Oxford Street, Sydney. Offering a unique retail experience, this new venture is dedicated to selling the best-designed local products at prices below the $20 mark.

The brainchild of local graphic designers Alex De Bonis and Louise Hellwell (the collaborators behind Tough Titties, a blog promoting creative Australian women) in conjunction with the City of Sydney, The Dollar Shop is one of 15 creative endeavours chosen to breathe new cultural life into Oxford Street.

Under a six-month rolling lease agreement, the curators of the pop-up space are currently seeking designers, artists and other creatives to submit a wide range of work to be sold in The Dollar Shop. Items they’re looking for include, but are in no way limited to, clothing, jewellery, bags, stationary, self-publishing, photography, instruments, posters, kitchenware and craft.

A small commission will be taken on items sold to help cover bills so in order to be eligible for consideration in the store, items must be able to make a profit or at least break even.

In addition to supporting local designers, workshops are planned after hours and on weekends, making the venue a multi-purpose space that questions the traditional notion of what a commercial retail space should be. This also allows the wider community more opportunity to learn new skills and participate directly with artists and designers.

The Dollar Shop is also seeking volunteers to assist with the day-to-day running of the store.

Address
58 Oxford Street
Darlinghurst, Sydney
Launching end of February 2012 (date TBC)

For more information head to: www.dollarshopsydney.com.au
info@dollarshopsydney.com.au