Favourite Interiors — under new ownership
SINCE taking over Favourite Interiors in Roslyn in April, Lynne Ellwood and Sarah (Vi) Griffin have been loving the challenge.
Both of the new owners worked part time at the homewares, furniture, and soft furnishings store for previous owner Dawn Storm, Vi for seven years and Lynne for about four.
Because of the working relationship with Dawn, she agreed to let Vi purchase the business. Dawn recognised Vi’s passion, and a sale was agreed to, with the business becoming Favourite Interiors 2017 Limited. Vi approached Lynne and encouraged her to come on board, and a partnership evolved.
The pair took over Favourite Interiors on April 1, and worked extensively before reopening on May 1, repainting, having new lights and chandeliers installed, and restocking the empty store.
‘‘We love it, but it has been a huge challenge,’’ Lynne says. ‘‘It’s quite different working for someone and then having your own business, and sourcing all the products. But it’s been great fun.’’
Favourite Interiors stocks a wide range of gorgeous gifts and homewares, as well as hardtofind soft furnishings, and beautiful Frenchinspired furniture.
‘‘I think it’s French Country meets English Garden; that’s what we kind of like,’’ Lynne says. ‘‘And on the way we’ve picked up a few Balinese things, so we’ve done a bit of a mix. Hopefully it’s very exciting to people.’’
She and Vi each work in twoday blocks at the shop, which is open 10am4pm Monday to Friday, and 10am2pm on Saturday.
‘‘That keeps it fun, because a different set of people come in, and you’ve also got time at home to catch up on other things,’’ Lynne says.
They both enjoy Favourite Interiors’ busy Highgate location in Roslyn Village, noting that the shop is complemented by the Rhubarb cafe´ directly next door. Customers often visit both places.
‘‘Coffee and a visit to Favourite Interiors combined is a good day out,’’ Vi says.
‘‘The location is great,’’ Lynne adds. ‘‘Everybody loves the buzz of Roslyn, they come to have a look around. It is a lovely wee community.’’
Favourite Interiors endeavours to source items that won’t be commonly found anywhere else in Dunedin.
Lynne and Vi spend a lot of time on sourcing and ordering the products. Earlier in the year they went on a buying mission to the huge gift fair in Auckland, and will be attending again in August.
Both regular and new customers to Favourite Interiors will no doubt enjoy the arrival of fresh stock, and the continuance of the store under its new management.
‘‘We’ve got people that have been coming in for a long time,’’ Lynne says. ‘‘And they’re so pleased that it didn’t close, or perhaps fell into the hands of people who wouldn’t keep the same atmosphere. We know our customers and we’ll just carry on what we’re doing.’’
Vi and Lynne would welcome your company while you engage in the joys of looking upon nice things and exploring the possibilities.