After years of bringing Greek fashion, jewellery and cultural products to festivals across Australia, The Greek Warehouse is opening its first permanent store in Adelaide.
Opening in Findon in mid-August, the family-run retailer will bring together Greek jewellery, handbags, sandals, clothing, books, toys, Orthodox religious items, komboloia, mati products and gifts under one roof.
For owner Anna Kyrtzaliotis-Morakis, the opening is the latest chapter in a business journey that began quietly from her family home in Greece.
“My journey with Greece began when I travelled there for what was meant to be a six-week holiday.
“Instead, I met my husband, fell in love, and ended up staying for 18 years. We married, raised our children in Greece, and I built a life there while working as an English teacher in Thessaloniki.”
While living in Greece, Kyrtzaliotis-Morakis began exporting authentic Greek products for customers in Australia looking to maintain a connection with their culture and heritage.
“At the beginning, I kept the business a secret from my family,” she said.
“Every night after everyone had gone to bed, I would quietly pack orders, hide the parcels in my car, and post them the next morning. It was a passion project that grew through dedication, hard work, and my love for Greece.”
Following Greece’s financial crisis, the family made the difficult decision to return to Australia in 2013 and rebuild their lives.
However, The Greek Warehouse continued to grow in Australia, becoming a familiar name at multicultural events across the country.
“We have travelled to festivals in Hobart, Canberra, Melbourne for the Antipodes Festival, Oakleigh’s Greek Festival, Adelaide’s Greek Festival, and even Perth’s Greek Festival before it was discontinued,” Anna said.
“These festivals have allowed us to meet so many wonderful people and hear their stories.
“They’ve shown us how much Australians love Greek culture, traditions and authentic products.”
The opening of the Findon store provides, for the first time, a permanent destination where customers can browse the business’s extensive range year-round rather than waiting for festival appearances, as well as creating a base for their upcoming online store.
“Our vision is to create a place where people can experience a piece of Greece here in Adelaide,” Anna said.
“We want customers to discover authentic products while reconnecting with the culture, traditions and memories that make Greece so special.
The Greek Warehouse
When: Mid-August
Where: 272B Findon Road, Findon
To find out more, click here.
