March 12, 2024
Shop stories: Explore Society of Merchants in Elsternwick Village
If you enjoy hunting for those special and one-of-a-kind pieces, Elsternwick Village’s Society of Merchants could spark your shopping joy.
The store on Staniland Grove, just off Glen Huntly Rd, has an eclectic mix of clothing, gifts, art, jewellery and homewares, along with a few vintage finds.
Society of Merchants has a quirky personality and a welcoming vibe, mixing the sophistication of a gallery with the warmth of a busy studio to create a pleasurable shopping experience.
The store offers a carefully curated collection and business owner Jenny BenPorath sources the items to suit the store.
A merchant on a mission
Ms BenPorath is passionate about sourcing unique items, rather than following trends, to offer customers something different.
“I always choose pieces based on how I feel about them – not whether they’re what everyone is selling or whether they’re the new season’s latest thing. I also choose them knowing they will look good in the shop; they will add something to the mix,” Ms BenPorath said.
She also listens carefully to her customers, choosing items for sale that they have expressed delight in or suggested she seek out.
“I’m always listening to feedback about what my customers love in the store and what they’d like to see in the store,” she said.
Society of Merchant’s hand-picked items are sourced from local artisans and small, local suppliers.
“I trawl markets and trade fairs and sometimes my customers will tell me about a maker they’ve spotted or know,” Ms BenPorath said.
“And more recently, makers and creators have been coming to me to talk about their craft and product to see if it is a fit for the shop.
“Elsternwick is bursting with creative people. It’s wonderful.”
From dream to reality
Before opening her shop, Ms BenPorath worked in large company retail, in galleries, and in design – and all that experience has combined to bring something unique to Society of Merchants.
“When I saw this store to lease in Elsternwick, I just went for it,” she said.
“I think I was just ready. I had been preparing for years in my head and it was time.”
And a treasure trove of locally produced and sourced items was created – a store full of things made with passion, and chosen with love and an eye for art and design.
The store has much-loved returning products and an ever-changing collection of newly discovered pieces which is why it has loyal customers and a string of word-of-mouth recommendations.
Loving her happy place
Rather than being a slave to new season trends, Ms BenPorath allows Society of Merchants to simply reflect the seasons.
“In winter, for example, the cushions and clothing and fabrics will have a cosy textural feel, giving the store a warm, inviting mood,” she said.
Ms BenPorath quit her job to take the leap into small business ownership and daunting though that was, she hasn’t looked back.
“In the back of my mind I have images of what could be for the store in the future but for now I am just keeping my collection interesting and appealing, and I am loving what I do,” she said.
“Elsternwick Village is a great place for Society of Merchants. My customers are wonderful, and they appreciate what I am trying to do. And I am happy doing it.”
