Customers are reeling after a popular and fashionable furniture and homewares retailer suddenly closed.
Sydney retailer Gigi&ToM announced the sad news this week with a post on Instagram, where it has over 100,000 followers.
‘It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you we are closing our business Gigi&ToM,’ the statement read.
“This decision has not been easy, and we deeply appreciate your support over the past 3 years.
“While we are so proud of the community and brand that we have built the path of entrepreneurship is often unpredictable, and while we’ve had many wins, the current business environment has made it challenging to secure continued investment in a start-up brand.’
Customers were also told it was their ‘final chance to snap up our iconic range of unique homewares at a bargain price, until stocks last’.
‘Please note that our business is operating as usual, we are not going into Administration and all pre-orders have been fulfilled, it added.
The announcement sparked an outpouring of shock from disappointed customers.
‘Oh, no..I’ve bought so many things for my adult granddaughters from you guys,’ one customer said.
‘They absolutely love their quirkiness & so do I. I bought things that I hoped would make them smile whenever they use them. I’m very sad.’
‘So devastated by this!’ another person wrote.
‘Was hoping to save up for some of your furniture pieces this year.’
‘I was in absolute shock when I read the email,’ another person wrote.
‘I’m so devastated for you guys and also devastated that I won’t be able to buy anymore absolute beauties from you.
‘I, like so many others are absolutely obsessed with the quality merchandise you sell. I was slowly turning my room into a Gigi & Tom museum.
‘Thank you so much for the great service & good luck with all of your future endeavours. You’ll be truly missed by all.’
The store, which began in 2021, is chiefly the brainchild of former major department story retail buyer Abbie Evans and was named after her and other female co-founders’ pets.
‘We are a female-led n company based on the Northern Beaches in Sydney, working hard every day to ensure your space reflects you!,’ the site said.