The local retailer opened last year amidst the pandemic.
A fresh new retailer of handcrafted goods has opened up in an unlikely location in Torquay. Jakk & Co. is a business that puts community and quality goods first, stocking everything from candles and smudge sticks to underwear and natural deodorant.
Owner Kim Carmalt says that the business model was born out of struggles to source products during the pandemic.
“I wanted to buy stump stools and put the request out to the marketplace and to my excitement a local craftsman made them.
“It started the ball rolling and out of this has sprung a flourishing, supportive, and creative business that has the whole community involved.
“I believe the community want to see and buy product made locally.” This ethos is also what drives other local artisan hubs in Geelong, like the shopping strip along Rutland Street in Newtown.
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Jakk & Co. is different, however, as it has a clear focus on goods from the Surf Coast, at least for the moment anyway. Carmalt says there are plans to expand the business to goods from across Australia, offering to carry their goods in-store.
In an effort to support the community even more, Jakk & Co. is currently donating 10% of all online sales to Feed Me Surf Coast, a not-for-profit that provides meals to those in need. Feed Me has provided close to a thousand meals since forming in March last year. The organisation is completely independent, “We don’t have an agenda” founder Lana Purcell says, “We don’t expect anything back, if you want help, you ask and that’s it”. Jakk & Co. have been donating 10% of their online sales since December and will continue to do so until the 31st of January.
Jakk & Co. is currently operating out of the Torquay Pharmacy on Gilbert Street, but also have an extensive online range, all of which can be purchased and delivered to your home.
To celebrate the Surf Coast and the New Year, Jakk & Co. are running a competition to win a two-night getaway in the Freshwater Creek Cottages, which includes an Arts and Wine lunch at Provenance Winery, as well as an indulgence pack from Jakk & Co. containing various local products. To enter, simply place an order on Jakk & Co.’s website and follow their social media channels by the 30th of January.
Check out the competition details here.
Check out Jakk & Co. at 18 Gilbert Street, Torquay, or online on their website.
