Meet Wendy Trinet of Eyes on Floyd in Camberwell Junction

During Melbourne’s first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Wendy Trinet would take her little boy Floyd out on his scooter for daily exercise.

On one of their short trips, she saw a vacant store in Camberwell Junction and imagined her beautiful products (which she sold online) displayed in there.

A few more scooter trips and longing looks later, she decided to call the agent and arranged to lease it short-term after lockdown for a pop-up venture.

Her instinct was right. Two years later her Eyes on Floyd store is still there and growing in popularity.

“It is such a great location and it has a wonderful large window, so I can display quite a lot in the window,” Ms Trinet said.

“People stop to look at the window display all the time.”

Unique and fresh

Ms Trinet said her customers are women of all ages looking for fresh fashion pieces that aren’t chain store items. They’re also seeking interesting pieces of costume jewellery.

“I’d describe my range as romantic, pretty, fun, colourful and affordable,” she said.

“A large part of my sales is the costume jewellery. It’s affordable and is plated gold and won’t tarnish. So, customers come back for more.

“I like to sell unique pieces and I don’t buy in too much at one time, so I keep the stock fresh and customers see something new every time they come in.”

Ms Trinet describes her store as a cute place to visit, “full of little treasures”.

“It’s a place to shop not just for yourself but for gifts for others, too,” she said.

European influence

Born and raised in Paris, Ms Trinet graduated with Honours from Ravensbourne University London, at the college of design and digital media, following completion of her Baccalaureat of Economique in Paris.

When she moved to Melbourne she worked as a designer and buyer for Australian fashion retailers, often travelling to spot European catwalk trends.

Launching her Eyes on Floyd label, she kept that passion and vibe.

“I source from everywhere and my personality comes through in the collections,” Ms Trinet said.

“They’re for women who love a relaxed, feminine style.”

Nurturing a growing business

Ms Trinet said she loves Melbourne.

“Especially Camberwell. I have been here for 15 years. I live and work in the suburb and I love it,” she said.

“It’s a big community and very family oriented. Everything you need is here – great stores, cafes, restaurants and parks. It’s safe, too.”

Ms Trinet said Camberwell Junction suits her store’s boho, romantic vibe. She’s had a warm response and built a loyal customer base.

“Although selling online was (and still is) good business, I loved the idea of creating a beautiful space in which to sell my apparel, gifts and jewellery,” she said.

“When I sold at markets I realised I loved interacting with people and talking about the items and where they’re from.”

Ms Trinet has no regrets about taking the chance on a brick-and-mortar store.

“What started as a pop-up become permanent and is a growing business,” she said.

“It’s great to welcome people into my store and I’m quite a chatty person so I love the daily interactions.

“I have made a warm, welcoming place and have scattered some furniture throughout too. I keep my stock fresh and I change my window display every week to keep the shop interesting and lively.”

Two years on from her pop-up experiment, Ms Trinet hasn’t lost any of her enthusiasm and energy.

“When I maybe come back to the store in the evening to collect something, or drive by on my way somewhere, I still get a little thrill to see people stopping to look in the window,” she said.

Visit the store