Customers and fans of The Standard Store on Crown Street have taken to social media to express their shock and disappointment as a rental dispute threatens to close the business, which was set to celebrate a decade in the community.
Founder Nicola Reindorf told Urban Village the dispute had seen the landlord change the locks on the premises and shut her out of the shop, without access to stock and the ability to fulfil online orders.
Reindorf said the business had negotiated two and half months’ rent relief at the beginning of the Covid disruptions in April, but the relationship with the landlord had broken down over a conditional side-deed signed as part of that relief package.
“We have been in our store 9 years and our lease expires next year,” said Reindorf.
“We love our store; we have a loyal following. We have always paid our rent and outgoings on time.”
While Reindorf and co-founder Orlando Reindorf have engaged a lawyer and are seeking a resolution to the situation in the hope of continuing, Standard Store customers have voiced their disappointment on social media.
“I’ve lived in Surry Hills for 15 years and your store has always epitomised the energy and style of the area to me. My most favourite and enduring items have been bought from this store,” said one customer.
“This is so sad, my favourite shop to visit in Surry Hills. I purchased my first expensive dress from your shop and loved it,” was another typical post.
For almost a decade, the Standard Store has been a staple for locals who covet unique clothes plucked from all over the world.
Founded by Orlando and Nicola Reindorf, the store is a trove of trendy garments and homewares from a tightly curated selection of the couple’s favourite brands.
On each rack you’ll find pieces from Paris, New York and London, brands you won’t have yet heard of but will certainly want to know.
The business began as Flying Standard, a fashion agency representing UK labels in Australia.
Their independent retail shop was then conceived, and is still at 503 Crown Street, the same shop that opened in 2011.
Crown Street is The Standard’s flagship store. Their other store on Gertrude Street in Melbourne was forcibly shut due to Covid and will be shut until the 20th of October.
