In Store with: of/Berlin

In this new blog feature, we speak to some of the people who make talmo more than just a digital brand: our retailers! We love nothing more than seeing our products in beautifully curated shops across Europe and hearing from friends and fans when our products have been spotted IRL!

 As a new, independent brand, our retailers our strongest support and we want to give back to those who showed early support in us by learning some more about them, their process, their inspirations and the best things to do around each of their cities.

We spoke to Vesna and Catrin from of/Berlin located in the city’s bustling Bergmannkiez, where you can find the best that Berlin's creative world has to offer: fantastic fragrances from Frau Tonis Parfum, the coolest smartphone speakers from Berlin Boombox, safe sex with vegan einhorn condoms, fantastic nail polish colours from uslu airlines and many more ...

Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves and about what motivated you to start a business?

We’re Vesna and Catrin from of/Berlin - a concept store for curated products by Berlin designers and manufacturers. When we first began of/Berlin in 2015, back then part-time, we wanted to give Berlin visitors an alternative to typical souvenirs. Berlin has so much more to offer than just “Ampelmännchen” (the iconic traffic light men) and small pieces of the Berlin wall.

How would you describe your store and why should someone visit when they’re in town?

You should definitely visit us when you’re in town! What’s special about of/Berlin is that we have a really great mix of products that somehow still fit together. There’s something for everyone: from beautiful jewellery, bags, to stationery, interior design or local treats and of course the beautiful talmo cables.

How do you choose your products and how do you discover small, new brands?

The most important criteria, first of all, is that the designers or manufacturers are based in Berlin. The second, is that we personally like the products. More and more often, small brands come to us because they like our concept. Additionally, we continue to visit markets and fairs in order to keep up with what’s new and to find our new favourites.

What trends do you predict for 2018?

Fair and local products continue to be our focus going into 2018. Apart from that, we don’t really try and follow trends. We consciously choose items that are timeless so that our customers can enjoy our products for life.

Do you still remember your first customers? How would you describe your current clientele?

Of course! We were in the middle of setting up our first pop-up store in Graefestrasse. It was a French couple who was visiting Berlin and they loved the concept, even though nothing was ready and everything was improvised. Our current clientele consists of people who are out shopping, Berlin visitors, but also many regular customers, especially from the Kreuzberg area who visit us when they are looking for beautiful gifts.

E-commerce, curse or blessing?

Blessing.

What is your daily work routine? Does everyone do a little bit of everything or do have you separated responsibilities?

We have clearly separated areas of responsibility. Our daily routine consists of first getting online orders ready for shipping, answering customer inquiries, ordering goods, taking care of administrative work, looking for new products and, of course, working on new concepts...

What made you decide to include talmo in your assortment?

We found that talmo products are fun and aesthetically very pleasing and you, as a team, are also incredibly likeable. That's important to us. And a little colour might do the rather monochrome and minimalist Berlin design world some good!

Which technical product is still missing in the world?

Phew, devices are not always fast enough, but apart from that, we urgently need an interface between our webshop and store inventory. Can you work on it? ;)

What should your customers discover after shopping in your city in 2018?

You should definitely come with a good apetite and try the many vibrant restaurants, wine bars and cafes that sprout up here and there. The food is delicious! Current favourites include the Wagner on the Paul-Lincke-Ufer or St. Barts in the Graefestraße.

Thank you for the interview!

You can find of/Berlin at Nostitzstrasse 23,10961 Berlin

In the meantime, follow of/Berlin on Instagram or Facebook.