SHOP OF THE MONTH From online store to community hub, Manchester’s Object is more than just a lifestyle brand
In 2014, husband-and-wife team Alex and Rachael Otterwell turned their experiences of travelling the world into an online lifestyle and homeware brand that quickly found a physical presence too. In late 2019 the couple relocated their shop to a larger premises a short walk away in the hope of offering more to their local community. Rachael tells us more…
WHY DID YOU OPEN A BRICKS-AND-MORTAR SHOP?
Object started as an online store in 2014, launched from our bedroom and operated around our day jobs. After trading at a local market for almost a year, we could see there was a demand for the products we were selling. So, we decided to find a permanent home with more control over the store’s design and brand image.
TELL US ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS AND IN-STORE EVENTS YOU OFFER AT OBJECT…
We host everything from woodcarving and ring-making to supper clubs and blogging workshops. The idea was to provide a creative outlet and build a community. It’s a great way to promote our retail business and get to know our customers.
HAVING MOVED PREMISES AND REBRANDED LAST AUTUMN, WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR OBJECT NOW?
It was important to us to create a multifaceted business, combining products and services that stimulate us creatively and give our business better opportunities for financial security. In terms of the rebrand, we felt that relocating the store called for a new chapter in the aesthetic too. While we work with many Scandinavian brands and adore the pared-back style, it doesn’t fully represent our company. Over the past few years, Alex and I have travelled around the west coast of America, and have become very inspired by the nature, climate and culture in California. We decided to introduce these influences into our branding, using colour and texture.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH YOUR NEW STAYCATION VENTURE ‘OBJECT: THE APARTMENT’?
We love taking short breaks in addition to a longer holiday after the busy Christmas period. This allows us to get some downtime and find new inspiration. Mostly, we opt to stay in small guesthouses and live like locals. We’ve been influenced so much by all the interesting places we’ve stayed in the past decade and we wanted to put all our ideas into practice – and so Object: The Apartment was born. It’s a luxury self-catering space where you’ll find our products perfectly placed to enjoy and experience. From the moment guests arrive, we want them to instantly feel at home. They’ll receive a hamper filled with produce from Chorlton-based businesses, in addition to a guide on what’s happening in the local area, from yoga classes and live music, to nature walks and even where to find the best negronis!
For more information about workshops, go to objectstyle.co.uk