POP Canberra enters voluntary administration owing circa $1m to 13 creditors.
the-riotact.com/pop-in-braddon-enters-volunta...
the-riotact.comPosted Apr 13, 2023, 12:59 PM UTC
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the-riotact.comShit, honestly an ace place to go for gifts.
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Not sure why they didn’t have an online component. Every time I went in they seemed quiet enough that someone could’ve handled online orders.
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They put in a post last year that the turned their online store off as they “kinda hated it” and said “it’s not us and we only do what feels right”
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Yeah, certainly a bit slow on the uptake there.
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Love your dry.
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I don’t think that businesses can break their leases like that.
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Building an online commerce website costs money and there's no such thing as 'free' shipping for retailers. Increasing costs while not making any savings isn't a great business model
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They have been horrible on insta recently, mocking a woman who gave them a bad review because they wouldn't accept cash. Sounds like they should've taken any form of payment they could get.
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Sounds like they liked the idea of owning a cool shop in Braddon, rather than the actual fact they owned a cool shop in Braddon.
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Just found that review, not sure if I’d agree that ‘not accepting cash payment’ when it’s clearly displayed in the store is discrimination. And I don’t think that calling out shit behavior like that is mocking, sounds like you’re a bit butt hurt, do you know the person?
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Nope. And didn't look into it either. I just didn't see why they needed to bring any attention to it all. Super childish.
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Childish I agree, and some of their other replies seem similar or unnecessary. But also, if someone was wrongly accusing me of discrimination and trying to tarnish my reputation online I’d probably be upset and want the chance to defend myself too 🤷🏻♂️
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Did they name and shame? Call them out personally? Encourage followers to interact with them? If so, absolutely agree. Or was it more of just a ‘this is what happened, how should I respond?’ Kinda thing?
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A response to the review would've been sufficient. Trying to get their followers in on the bullying / joke / whatever is a whole other level.
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Do you have a link?
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Nope, it was on their stories.
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I can't help but feel partially responsible for not buying more "Fuck Pauline Hanson" bus stop prints and Belconnen dick owl socks.
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Damn. This is a good place for local gifts for out of state family.
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I’m honestly surprised it hasn’t happened sooner. The prices of their stock is eye watering!
When I went in there most of their items were certainly not my cup of tea (souvenirs, dust collectors etc.). I think I saw some wine and snacks when I walked past once, but I haven’t been in there for more than a year. I didn’t see the point after they had a mug that was more than $60. I always wondered where the demand for these products was and how it could sustain a lease on Lonsdale St… I guess it couldn’t.
I do feel for the owners though. They tried and it seems like some people did enjoy their products.
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The price of commercial rents in Braddon is astronomical.
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Pop is still trading and is looking at options is what the article said, let's see how this works out.
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Glad someone actually read the article. Many are commenting as if it is already closed!
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Where will I get bus shelter and penis owl socks now? (Not even being sarcastic here.)
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Sad to see POP go. Having said that, I believe both Splatter Gallery in Belco Mall and Dirty Jane's in Fyshwick have a similar stock of Canberra-made, Canberra themed things. Don't think either have as good a selection of CBR roasted coffee or booze though.
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Also the markets Wanniassa and the handmade markets every quarter at epic.
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The Handmade markets at epic are always a great option
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True! I only wish they were more often! (Although I'm sure my wallet doesn't XD)
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I once inquired to rent a space at Dirty Jane's, the price they quoted I said was quite reasonable per annum, they said, "no, that's per month". I can't support a business that does that to people. You would have to sell tiny items worth a fortune to make it work.
My favourite stores have been Unit Concepts and that product design store that was in civic.
I expect that to get to a million dollars in debt and go into VA, that they've only been able break even but have some covid era debt they can't pay - if they do a debt settlement then it might survive.
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Oh no that's really shit - it's my fix when the handmade markets aren't on :(
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I’ve been getting absolutely spammed with sponsored ads for these guys on socials lately.
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Probably wasn’t believing hard enough!
“The pandemic posed some pretty hefty challenges, with multiple months of lockdown and no trade, but during that time, I tried to really believe in the vision.”
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But was too busy believing to set up an e commerce operation.
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Unfortunately this is a great hobby business that couldn’t really compete on real business costs. Can’t see how they owe a million. Probably an 80m premise paying about $1000/m in rent. I’d say they haven’t been paying for stock for all those small businesses they are “championing”. Paying rent then wages but not much else. Again a really nice hobby business that should have been run online from home by a WFH public servant
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The only way a business like this could get in debt 1m is not paying staff or not paying suppliers or both. Given the turn over, I’d suggest pretty low I’d say this has been an issue from the very recent start of this business.
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Bloody hell. Imagine going 1m into debt just trying to sell knick-knacks
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Was literally buying gifts here on Thursday. It was busier than I thought it would be. The $160 we spent ain’t going to help with the debt much…
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Yikes
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Agreed, weirdest mark ups too Had some baked goods normally sold for $12 less than ten mins away being marked up to $19 ???
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I mean I guess it’s understandable now. Gotta try pay the debt off somehow
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They owe $1M
Id say they are fairly fucked.
They have only been around since 2020.
I wonder how long they may have been trading insolvently?
They appear to be still trading....As per their IG
Not sure but it may not have been illegal Insolvent trading penalties were essentially suspended during COVID. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/iir.1424 explains more.