Spotlight on business - The Rainbow Room

16th Sep 2020

How long have you been in business?
I’ve been making things since 2011, selling the kids’ clothes since 2017, opened up shop May 2020 and rebranded shortly after as The Rainbow Room then.

How many staff do you employ?
So it’s myself, my partner Luke and one of our makers, Jayne, running the shop. But more than that we currently have about ten or twelve stockists or suppliers. Out of those there are quite a few Guyra locals, which I’m very pleased about.

What services do you offer?
We have the shopfront and its set opening hours, but we are also open by appointment for anyone who needs a gift last minute (this has been particularly relevant when a new baby is born). We have the online shop too, and if your delivery address is in Guyra or Armidale, we can do a contactless drop off for free. We can also gift wrap if it’s a gift.

What is the best/worst thing about owning your own business?
The best thing is the flexibility around my family. We are a blended family with four little children to consider. The worst thing is trying not to buy everything for them

How have things changed since you started?
Things have slowed a little in terms of sales, but I think we will pick up towards Christmas. We are currently replacing a lot of winter stock with more gift based things.

What effects have challenges such as drought, bushfires and coronavirus had for your business?
Funnily enough, the Main Street in Guyra seems busier than it has ever been. Or maybe I’m just a hermit. But we have found that people are drawn to our little shop because it’s safe (as it can be). We have a screen up, I wear a mask when I can, we have hand sanitizer and restrictions on how many people can be in at once. It’s something different to see! So in a way it’s been positive. People have missed shopping, missed getting out but also treating their loved ones and it’s sort of been an antidote to loneliness if that doesn’t sound too cheesy. We have had a lot of people unable to visit their families who want to send a nice bright gift in the post and it’s so nice to be able to help in that regard.

What is the most interesting job you have carried out?
I did a home delivery once and a dog jumped in my face.

Do you get good feedback from your customers?I can honestly say that so far we have only gotten positive feedback. People have wished us well even if the store doesn’t have anything for them. And we try our best, I think that’s the main thing. We try and point people in the right direction and we thank them sincerely for just taking a look.

Any advice for people starting out in business?
Planning and persistence! It’s a lot easier if you know what you’re doing a little in advance and everything is accounted for. And advertising is probably the most important thing!

Final thoughts?
I just want to thank everyone who has supported us so far. I really think we will be here long term if it keeps happening. And please check out our end of winter sale and look out on our social media for Covid-safe Halloween and Christmas events. Cheers!

Going strong for 100 years

Phone	(02) 6779 2347
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Spotlight on business - The Rainbow Room

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