Meet the Grainger Market Traders: Komono Accessories
Get to know the team behind Grainger Market’s cute accessories shop
Owned by sisters Cora and Carol, Komono Accessories sells quirky and unique accessories from a cute little shop on Grainger Market’s Alley 2.
As the store approaches its second year in the market, we caught up with Cora to find out more about Komono and her favourite Grainger Market memories so far.
What made you decide to set up Komono Accessories?
I’ve always loved wearing earrings and necklaces. Back when I was at university, there weren’t many styles to choose from – and the ones I loved were often too expensive. That’s what inspired me to create Komono Accessories: a haven of high quality but affordable pieces.
I want everyone who visits to feel excited by the choice, fall in love with our little accessories, and leave feeling like they want to come back. I hope the shop brings a sense of happiness to everyone who walks in.
What was it like transitioning from being regulars at regional markets to having a brick-and-mortar store?
Transitioning from being regulars at regional markets to running a brick-and-mortar store has been a big change for us. One of the biggest differences is the sense of belonging.
When we were doing markets, we had to pack and load all our stock into the car the day before, wake up very early, and work long days. Now that we have our own shop, everything feels more stable and secure. No matter the weather, we open the shutter and welcome customers in, which gives us a real sense of consistency.
Every day comes with a long list of tasks, but despite the challenges, we feel incredibly lucky to have our own shop. It truly is a dream come true.
What are your most popular products?
Our most popular products are definitely the items included in our customer deals which have been a key part of our business since our very first market. The idea has always been to offer pieces at affordable prices, so everyone can find something they love.
Customers really enjoy the flexibility of our deals, as they can choose from a wide range of accessories – from earrings, bracelets and necklaces to hair accessories. It allows them to mix and match different styles and create their own combinations, all while getting great value.
This approach has made the collection both fun and accessible, and it’s something our customers keep coming back for.
Your Grainger Market shop has been open for almost two years now. What has been your most memorable moment at the market so far?
There have been so many memorable moments since opening our shop at Grainger Market, but one that stands out the most is the continued support from our customers.
Some of them have been with us since our very first market days and still visit us now in our shop. It’s incredibly special to see familiar faces come back time and time again. We’ve watched young couples who first shopped with us go on to get married, and recently they returned with their first baby. Being able to witness and be a small part of our customers’ journeys like that means so much to us, and it’s something we’ll always treasure.
What do you love most about being part of the Grainger Market community?
What I love most about being part of the Grainger Market community is that running a small business never feels like a solo journey. There’s such a strong sense of community here – everyone looks out for one another and there’s always someone ready to help if you need it.
The support and kindness within the market mean so much, and they give me the motivation to keep going every day.
Komono Accessories is located in Unit 84 on Alley 2 in Grainger Market. For more information visit www.komonoaccessories.com.
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