Paddington retail icon to sell after two decades

One of Brisbane’s most beloved jewellery and homewares stores is up for sale, the owner bowing out after more than two decades.

Leanne DeMartini owner of Thousand Island Dressing.

After more than two decades, one of Brisbane’s most beloved retailers has announced it is selling, with Thousand Island Dressing in Paddington looking for a buyer.

Owner of the jewellery and homewares institution on Latrobe Tce Leanne DeMartini said it was time for some “fresh energy” to be injected into the store after 22 years.

“It would be easy just to keep on that mouse wheel but I feel it’s ready for a new presence to put their mark on it and keep it going,” she said, revealing she was still grappling with the decision to sell but wanted to go out on a high.

Thousand Island Dressing owner Leanne DeMartini in her Paddington store. Picture: Annette Dew

“Hopefully this place will attract someone who will keep it going another 22 years.”

She said turning 60 was behind her decision to sell, after promising herself she would give it up after the milestone birthday in October last year.

“I’ve been doing this since my thirties and I’ve put a lot of energy into it and it’s been through so much and survived so much, Covid and so on, and turning 60 is just a different chapter and I just want to pursue other things,” she said.

Mrs DeMartini said she would love to take on a job with the Brisbane City Council or Small Business Association helping to mentor other small business owners.

Describing running a business as quite isolating and lonely, she said she would like to provide owners with support and an attentive ear, as well as merchandising assistance, tricks of the trade and marketing advice.

Thousand Island Dressing in Paddington is for sale. Photo: Instagram.

Thousand Island Dressing first opened in 2002 in Paddington before expanding into Bulimba in 2004 and then New Farm in 2005.

The Bulimba and New Farm stores closed during Covid, but the online shop took off, with many customers supporting the brand for two decades.

Mrs DeMartini said she had many fond memories from her 22 years, including hosting an event where she met her husband and father of her two daughters, and was only interested in a buyer who had the same love and passion for the business.

Thousand Island Dressing is currently for sale for $65,000 plus stock at value through Finn Business Sales, and since hitting the market on Thursday it has already had two offers, with one of those from a loyal customer.

“I do want to pass it on, I don’t want it to close. I feel really desperate about that,” she said.