With all of those new retail precincts sprouting in Sydney, that classic fashion strip known as Oxford Street may be feeling a little unloved as a shopping destination. Thankfully for the Paddo faithful, the new Funkis flagship store – an expansion on Bondi’s Scandinavian object house – is a funky enough reason to return to the strip.

Known for their mix of Australian and Swedish labels, Funkis has spawned a stylish sequel where you can pick up some effortlessly cool threads by designers such as Milk From A Thistle, Secret Squirrel and Anna Westcott. And while you’re at it, you can browse their accessories to boot, from quirky clogs to bags and jewellery. And, oh yeah, they have reading glasses you’ll be dying to buy even if you don’t have a prescription (we won’t dob you in).

Score. You and your shopping posse don’t even need to leave Funkis to tick off the homewares section on your list. If you’ve hit the fashions hard, a lunch break down the hill at Ampersand might be a good idea – you don’t want to shop for the kitchen when you’re starving. Your mate(s) will be thankful too.

Whether you’re searching for a Chrissie present or want to treat yourself to some new goodies for your abode, glaze over handmade Swedish Nittsjö ceramics, Danish Holmegaard glassware and Swedish SRF Handverk brushware, amongst other unusual pieces.

For those who find it easy being green, take a look at Funkis’ organic goods, including shoes and bags. Plus, the eco ethos adds a feel-good factor that offsets any punishment to your bank balance.

There’s a lot of extra space here compared to the cramped Bondi original, which means room for plenty of extra cool stuff to happen. In the next few months, Funkis plans to hold exhibitions and add more handmade exclusives from local and Swedish designers to their collection.

Shopping your bum off to get holiday gifts for your loved ones can be exhausting. But getting into the groove of Funkis? Ya, that’s easy.

Where: Funkis Paddington, 202 Oxford St, Paddington
When: Mon-Wed Fri-Sat 10am-6pm | Thurs 10am-7pm | Sun 11am-4pm
Phone: (02) 9368 7045
Details: funkis.com

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