A Heartfelt Farewell to Stuff+: Our Journey and Gratitude
Dear Valued Customers and Supporters of Stuff+,
I trust this message finds you in good spirits. Today, I share with you a poignant reflection on the journey of Stuff+, filled with a mix of emotions and a deep sense of gratitude.
Our story commenced in 2013, driven by a fervor for refurbishing and delivering quality electronics—ranging from smartphones and laptops to televisions. Those formative years were marked by the joy of connecting people with reliable, refurbished electronics, setting the stage for a defining chapter in my life.
As our business expanded beyond the realm of smartphones, laptops, and TVs, we ventured into the refurbishment of retro video games—a testament to our commitment to providing diverse, high-quality products.
However, come 2016, we found ourselves standing at a crossroads. The burgeoning popularity of social marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace presented a formidable challenge. The once-plentiful stock sourced locally—from garage sales, community notice boards, and markets—that allowed us to offer affordable and desirable tech became increasingly elusive. The dream of making quality electronics accessible was under threat, and Stuff+ faced the formidable task of navigating this new reality.
In the face of these challenges, a pivotal moment arose. To adapt and secure our survival, we reluctantly introduced automotive performance parts into our offerings. While this move was a lifeline for our business, it came at the cost of a clear focus and specialty. The mix of iPhones, Nintendo 64s, and performance car parts seemed an incongruent combination.
The story takes an ironic turn with the addition of my closest friend and business partner, Milos—a seasoned IT engineer. Together, we ventured into game console modifications and repairs, further diversifying our services and inadvertently contributing to the perception of a business without a distinct focus.
You know, it's sort've funny, the name "Stuff Plus," conceived during my teenage years, was intended to represent a future where we would open a retail store selling electronics under the name "STUFF" If successful, a second store, named "STUFF+" would venture beyond electronics, embodying the concept of more than just one speciality—Stuff Plus.. more! However, the execution of this vision left me with a sense of dissatisfaction, and frankly, embarassment. I failed at bringing my plan to fruition, or even making our journey along the way as elegant as it could have been.
Amidst these challenges, the year 2023 brought a renewed sense of purpose. Handheld Space was born, a project born out of my growing love for PC handheld gaming. Navigating the world of handheld gaming, the vision of creating a dedicated space for gaming enthusiasts took root. Handheld Space became a haven for reviews, recommendations, and a vibrant community, and shortly after our electronic repairs, upgrades and modification division moved over as well.
I've immensely enjoyed dedicating countless hours to Handheld Space, embracing a world free from the stresses, deadlines, and challenges of procuring and marketing products. Every day is a celebration of living my passions, engaging with our vibrant community, and is being fueled by boundless love for this new venture. It is with deep sentiment that I announce my decision to step down and close stuffplus.com.au.
Our last day of operation will be on 1/01/2024. Until then, we will continue to fulfill orders until all stock is sold.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you who has been part of the Stuff+ journey. Your support, feedback, and patronage have been invaluable. It's been an honor to share this journey with you.
As one chapter gracefully closes, another awaits. Handheld Space, a project fueled by passion, will be my full-time endeavor. I invite you to join us at Handheld Space, where the love for gaming and community thrives.
Thank you for being a part of the Stuff+ story. It's been a remarkable journey, and I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.
