The retail industry has changed significantly in Jane Hannon’s long retail career. For example, the introduction of internet shopping has changed the way many people shop for their goods. Jane has noticed though that many people are starting to want to go back to the more traditional way of shopping as they like to touch and feel their goods before they purchase them. Many people also want the personalised service and advice that is available at a physical shop. Of course there is also the convenience that traditional shopping allows, as if you need something straight away this is impossible to achieve with internet shopping.
Jane has also noticed that there now is less individuality in retail as no matter where you are in Australia you will find the same generic chain stores who all stock identical goods. The generic nature of modern chain shops is the main thing that Jane has tried to counteract in her business- hence the name of the store, Things with a Difference. Jane notes that individuality is especially important in the mall area that hosts many of Armidale’s locally owned and operated shops.
Whilst talking with her, Jane noted that she particularly loves the Armidale mall and that sitting in the mall at lunchtime is just magical. In fact one of Jane’s goals when opening Things with a Difference on a full time basis was to help reinvigorate our beautiful mall area!
If you are a fan of The Block, which is Channel 9 home renovation series, you will be able to find a lot of the products that are featured on the show in Things with a Difference. In fact, you will probably be able to purchase these goods before they are even featured on the show! Aside from keeping up with the latest trends in home wares, Jane also tries to stock Australian made products whenever possible. This ensures that the quality of the products will be exceptional and that Australian jobs and industry are being supported.
Jane orders most of her stock after visiting a number of gift fairs around Australia. When the goods are delivered often many months later, Jane and her staff love unpacking the goods and creating a new display for the beautiful shop. Interestingly, Jane has to order any Christmas goods that she wants to stock in February each year in order to have the stock available for the Christmas period. So if you think Christmas comes earlier and earlier each year, imagine how Jane must feel!