Fashion graduates are flocking to bricks and mortar retail against the ecommerce trend.
According to FBI fashion college, students are increasingly seeking opportunities to showcase their collections in a traditional retail space as opposed to setting up a digital store.
FBI graduate and owner of Paddington boutique Capital L Kim Hurwitz believes there are still major opportunities to be harnessed through bricks and mortar.
"The best part about having a bricks and mortar store is that you can interact with the customer on a personal level.
“On the internet you can't hear the tone of the consumer’s voice, you can't see their facial expressions or make eye contact with them.
“In person you are able to build a rapport with the customer and often that can lead to a long standing, satisfied customer.”
Fellow graduate Jaimi Krost recently launched designer vintage concept store The Sleeveless Society in Sydney's Woollahra.
Krost said that although ecommerce and social media play an integral role in consolidating the business' presence, there is a strong sense of community among independent retailers.
“After being at all of Sydney's markets (Bondi, Paddington, Kirribilli, and Surry Hills,) I realised having a place to call home where customers could come was the way forward for our business.
"Vintage is very personal so having all our stock in one place for customers to feel and try became a necessity.
“I also like that we are now a part of Sydney's ‘boutique family'.
“I feel it’s important for us to have a physical presence in the current marketplace.”
Hurwitz was the recipient the FBI Fashion Business Initiative which injected $10,000 into the Capital L business in 2014.
The college also launched its own retail store Chariot in 2008 as a platfrom for students to sell their designs to the public.
Its business students are encouraged to get involved in the merchandising, buying and management of the store.