The original Panton store was started by Shelley Panton in 2009 after a complete career change as the result of the GFC. Her background in food, visual merchandising and events provided the perfect skill set to create an amazing space for beautiful homewares and gifts. Running the shop by day, Shelley spent her evenings at the pottery wheel, crafting ceramics to sell in the store.
Examples of Shelley's pottery
Based in Melbourne, the store's first location was a quaint old butcher shop in the back streets of Middle Park, an inner city suburb known for its extensive range of 30s and 40s buildings. In 2013 as the business continued to grow, Shelley relocated the store to a new venue in the leafy streets of Prahran, loved for its lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Eventually, she divided the store and studio. In 2019, the studio moved to rural South Gippsland, whilst the store remained in Prahran. By 2023, Shelley was joined in the business by her partner Arron (and their dog Banjo) and the store relocated to the little town of Toora, South Gippsland, a couple of hours' drive southeast of Melbourne. The couple spent many hours refurbishing and restoring the former hardware store themselves.
The two main areas of the Toora store prior to renovation
Shelley and Arron | Banjo | Arron hard at work making store shelving
The charming store in Toora contains all of the lovely goodies that the Panton store is known for, including premium quality indoor plants. The online store has shipped its deluxe homewares and gifts Australia-wide since 2009 and continues to do so for those who aren't able to make it to the bricks and mortar shop.
Shelley's original vision of creating a business with longevity that would be loved and enjoyed by the community for many years to come has truly been realised.
The Panton Store has supported Gilly's since the Middle Park days and you can find our range on both the physical and virtual shelves. Celebrating their 15th anniversary this month, we are proud to be associated with them and wish them every success for their continued operation in Toora.
There are giveaways to celebrate, so make sure you check out their website, Facebook and Instagram for details and opportunities to win!
