It’s 2006. Beyonce is ascending her throne, whitewash jeans are still in, and Goz and Melinda are knee-deep in their first renovation project.
With Geelong’s interior home scene about as exciting as a garden snail, they found themselves frequenting boutique stores in Melbourne with Melinda’s discerning designer eye at the helm.
Driving home from trip number 4,765 to Melbourne for what Geelong lacked, Goz says to Melinda, “Wouldn’t it be cool if Geelong had a mega store with on-trend tiles, tapware, and flooring?”
The idea grows, and with it looping in seasoned house-flippers, Trish and Joe. Homemart Plus is born.
Homemart Plus launches in 2007 in cosy Smythe Street next to Katos Fish Supply.
Piloted full-time by Trish who is hauling bathtubs onto utes and borrowing the fish shop’s forklift for heavier orders, Goz works in-store during the day, and goes to his day job in the afternoons. Together, they build a range and reputation in tapware, showers, tiles, and basins to dip their toes and test the market waters.
They discover major supply groups for plumbing and tiles, and in 2009, The Tile People emerges.
With a steady supply and reputation, the team establishes themselves as Geelong’s destination for designer tiles, bathware, and flooring. While supply is there, range options are limited, and those limitations are actively crushing creativity across interior design. Something needs to change.
The team’s eye starts to wander towards more exclusive product ranges that give customers the flexibility to make their spaces personal, authentic, and their own.
It’s 2014 and The Tile People lay the foundations for Geelong Tiles & Bathware to emerge and become the new era in Geelong tile, bathware, and timber.
As their range grows in selection and style, their customer base grows, and The Tile People outgrows its warehouse and its brand.
It continues proudly encouraging the Geelong community to be inspired, get creative, and curate their own version of luxury.
The 1,500sqm immersive showroom and additional warehouse is staffed by a team of the most passionate, caring, and knowledgeable people Geelong has to offer, and with one message to drive home:
We respect your privacy.
