Byron Bay brand Wandering Folk ‘heartbroken’ over almost-identical Aldi range
A NSW business owner is “heartbroken” at Aldi for releasing a new range of picnic rugs that look almost identical to those offered by her lifestyle brand.
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A Byron Bay business owner has expressed her “heartbreak” at Aldi, after the German grocery giant released a new range of picnic rugs that look almost identical to those offered by her lifestyle brand.
Sharnee Thorpe, who launched Wandering Folk in December 2015, said she was on the verge of tears when she noticed Aldi had “taken inspiration” from $190 best-selling printed picnic rugs — which feature hand drawn artworks of vintage-inspired florals — to create its own versions for just $49.99.
“After seven years of blood, sweat and tears this really does break my heart,” Ms Thorpe said in the video, shared with her brand’s 107,000 followers.
“Aldi has released a picnic rug that looks to be ‘inspired by’ Wandering Folk. Sadly there is nothing we can do except educate everyone on always supporting creatives.”
Both the Wandering Folk and Aldi rugs share similar features, including a waterproof base, woven carry strap and tassels on each corner.
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“Big retailers will always seek out boutique brands to follow and I just want to remind you all that creatives behind brands work so hard to bring their idea to life and it really is like a stab to the heart when you see this happen,” Ms Thorpe added in the clip.
“Thank you to our amazing community for your support and showing how much you care about our brand, it really does mean the world to us.”
Opening up further to 7 News, the mum said the realisation — which occurred after customers alerted her via email — “made me feel sick to my stomach, especially when I saw the price they were selling them for”.
She started Wandering Folk while working as a print designer freelancing from home in Sydney seven years ago, and said the rug’s design was one she “developed over a period of time and involved a lot of sampling and testing to ensure the quality was something I could feel proud of”.
“This is my creation, it’s an extension of my being. One part of me feels complimented but the other feels heartache. The impact on me, my little family and my business will be catastrophic,” she said.
“As soon as we were made aware of the catalogue, we engaged an intellectual property lawyer who sent a letter to Aldi on our behalf informing them that we thought there could be a possible breach of copyright and requesting they send us samples so we could assess them before they were released, but no surprise Aldi didn’t respond.
“We know Aldi have built a global business around mimicking products, without technically breaking the law, but it still has real world impacts on the small businesses and creatives that come up with the original designs.”
An Aldi spokeswoman told news.com.au that the allegations from Wandering Folk “in the process are the first correspondence we have on the matter”.
“We will definitely review any correspondence that is shared with our business and will respond accordingly,” she added.
Hundreds of Aussies rallied behind Ms Thorpe in the comments of her post, with other small business owners empathising with what they described as “the worst feeling in the world”.
“So sorry to hear this. We know how hard it is to build a brand. The long days, the hard decisions and sacrifices,” one wrote.
“Sadly for a small brand to pursue through courts is so costly and takes years.”
“So sad, heartbreaking and gut wrenching for you! Our business has had big corporates copy our designs too and it is such a heart sinking kick in the guts feeling,” wrote another.
“It’s so cruel and unfair. Lots of love and strength to you.”
Her customers also offered their sympathies, with one writing they were “so heartbroken for you when I saw these advertised”.
“That is soo awful my love. There is nothing that compares to the quality and hand drawn designs by the original Wandering Folk! We love you guys, big love,” commented another.
News.com.au has contacted Wandering Folk for comment.
Originally published as Byron Bay brand Wandering Folk ‘heartbroken’ over almost-identical Aldi range
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