David Jones shook things up a bit this week...

There's been a lot of chat online about David Jones and their future this week....and what was the cause of their demise.

If you missed it, David Jones has gone into administration after operating as a department store for 188 years. It's mind blowing to think that this little old Aussie store has surpassed all other department stores worldwide in time spent trading under the same name. They're an Aussie icon. 

When I was a kid, David Jones was where we went to buy our 'special' outfits. I remember buying a chambray dress from DJ's (with a big collar and lace trim) to wear on a family trip to Melbourne and enjoyed a special treat of seeing The Phantom of the Opera. I remember having Christmas photos taken and going to the city especially to look at the Christmas windows... and the food hall- don't get me started! My mum had a DJ's card, I always thought it was so fancy, even fancier than a normal card. A special store card you could only use at that store. I loved seeing the ladies in black using their card machine with carbon paper as they swiped back and forth to take the details. I used to pretend to play shops and copy that whole counter routine.

Actually, now I'm wandering down memory lane, one thing I always thought was amazing was my Nana used to be a patternmaker for DJ's and copied the overseas runway styles for Australian women. I clearly got my love of patternmaking from her, when I was in year 6, I saw a taffeta dress in DJ's that I wanted for my year 6 farewell and she made me on exactly the same and to my size 💕

So it seems strange to see them struggling, facing closure, and almost as soon as the news came out, luxury brands pulling their stock straight out of there. Ironically, I say all these things not having shopped at David Jones in very many years. But these memories are all still so fresh. I did attend many a Christmas shopping evening with my mum as I got older and had moved out of home, it was a great way to catch up with mum and wander the shop- but also, shopping with champagne, what isn't to love?!

But yesterday, I read an article I found really interesting. The article commented that it didn't think that the demise of DJ's was the cost of living, or the tough retail environment, or even the lack of people shopping in store any more. Instead the author felt the demise was a lack of "ladies in black" and lack of skillset and knowledge within the customer service depertment. You see, part of what DJ's special, was that they had excellent customer service. And somewhere along the way that fell apart most likely in response to saving a few dollars.

So, as I have been thinking about all this, I realised that's where small business can thrive. We know we have to offer exceptional customer service. We also know that we won't compete on price but if we just wanted to do that, we wouldn't even bother having a small business, we'd direct you all to Temu or Kmart. But we do have a superpower, we can offer personalised service. And as for Rattamatatt, It's me making all your pieces. It's me who cares if you are happy or not. And it's why I offer customisations. Afterall, I'm making to order which has many sustainability benefits anyway, but I can make sure your piece is perfect for you. Longer, shorter, a blend of sizes. I've got you.

As we head into new seasons purchases and Christmas outfit and gift shopping, let's support the small businesses. The ones that work hard not just to bring all the good stock, but who care about you and your whole experience. And I don't just mean that has to be handmade (I mean, clearly I love that!) but remember to look out for the little guys, the ones who can bring you unique products and personalised service.

Ok, you've got things to do, so enough of my nostalgic ramble. But if you've read this, it means you care and support this little business of mine so a huge heartfelt thankyou from the bottom of my heart (not even sure what that phrase actually means 😅)

Kathryn x