Discover the joy of shopping small

November is Shop Small month. A movement founded by American Express that that brings together support from the business community, governments and consumers to support small businesses.

Koskela is very proud to one of the faces of Shop Small month. You may have spotted our gorgeous retail staff member Rochelle on posters and billboards around Sydney.

It would be very sad if all we were left with are big-box retailers selling the same products. 

— Sasha Titchkosky, Koskela Co-founder and Director

For 18 years we have built our business from the ground up, working with Australian manufacturers and pioneering a design and lifestyle hub in Sydney’s Rosebery.
 

However conditions are getting tougher. One third of Australian small business operators fear they risk becoming insolvent in the next three to five years, according to the annual Economy of Shopping Small report. This comes at a time when 59 per cent of consumers don’t believe their shopping habits have any impact on the success or failure of small businesses.

Despite the challenges of the retail sector Koskela is growing! “I'm certain this is because of all the work we have done to source and design interesting products that reflect what we value,” says Sasha.

We continually focus on making timeless and high-quality home goods, as well as sourcing unique products. Our customers know they can rely on us for uncommon and beautiful pieces they can treasure for many years.

“I would love to see consumers really get behind their local retailers and support them. If consumers value community and diversity of experience this is really critical,” says Sasha. “We all have the ability to influence the future and in many ways, the most impactful way we have to do this is in our purchasing power as consumers.”

When customers do shop with us we want to make sure they have an amazing experience. Sasha has searched tirelessly to find enthusiastic staff and invested in their training and development. We have a wonderful retail team that is dedicated to delivering great customer service.Our store is another major asset. Co-founders Sasha and Russel saw the potential in an empty 100-year-old warehouse and converted it into a showroom with an adjacent cafe. Flooded with natural light, customers are free to browse at their leisure, soaking up the ambience and inspiration.

“I consider the bricks and mortar part of our business as one of our marketing expenses not just a direct revenue generating site. It's the best way we have of really immersing someone in our brand,” says Sasha.

As a small business we celebrate our uniqueness across every aspect of the business and our local community continues to shop with us for this very reason.

“Consumers have the power to create change through purchasing - so get out there and support small businesses that are independently owned and trying to offer something different to customers!” says Sasha. “This way you help create jobs, support diversity in retail and help build great communities of connected people.”

American Express Card Members registered with the Shop Small promotion will receive $10 credit for every $20 they spend in participating businesses (including Koskela), up to a total of $50.

 

Do you have any questions? Get in touch today, and we will connect you with the right person in our team.

Koskela is proud to be the first furniture and homewares company in Australia to be a Certified B Corporation®.

Explore more of our modern furniture collection or Australian Artworks collection.