Design-led, eclectic homewares retailer, Kabinett has been named gia Australian Retailer of the Year 2026 and will compete at the Global Innovation Awards (gia) in Chicago next month for one of five Global Honouree Awards. Organised by the USA’s The Inspired Home Show and the International Housewares Association (IHA), the gia Awards place the business among the world’s most respected retailers.
The gia program, now in its third decade, recognises exceptional retailers from around the world based on criteria such as store design, visual merchandising, customer experience, innovation and marketing excellence. Selected national winners are automatically entered into the global competition and showcased at The Inspired Home Show in Chicago, where a panel of global retail and industry experts identifies and celebrates the global honourees.
Located in the historic Royal George Hotel on Piper Street in Kyneton, VIC, Kabinett is more than a retail destination, it’s an immersive experience that feels like a modern reinterpretation of the classic department store. Visitors step into layered, sensory-rich spaces where every object tells a story – from tobacco-toned linens and Portuguese glassware to vintage furniture sourced from old universities and workshops, niche fragrances and curiosities gathered from around the world.
As a 2026 gia Australian winner, Melissa Macfarlane, founder and owner of Kabinett, will travel to Chicago in March to attend the global awards ceremony, where more than 30 leading retailers from around the world will be showcased. Participating countries include Australia, the United States, the UK, France, Germany, China, Colombia, Brazil, Japan and New Zealand to name a few.
At the Gala Dinner held during the show, just five global winners will be selected from this international cohort. Past gia Global Honourees include some of the world’s most influential retailers, such as Harrods in the UK and Merci in France. Australia has a strong but highly selective track record in the program. Mud Australia was nominated in 2025 and went on to win one of the five Global Honouree Awards. Other Australian retailers previously recognised include Koskela, TheSuperCool, top3 by design, LUC Design, MAKE Design Objects, Few and Far and Jumbled.
Melissa says the recognition is both humbling and energising. “This recognition is incredibly meaningful. We’ve always believed that thoughtful design, a strong point of view and genuine customer connection matter, even in a small retail footprint. To have that recognised in Australia and now internationally is something I’m enormously proud of.”
The store’s design blends eras and aesthetics with effortless ease, pairing fleamarket treasures beside contemporary pieces to create a world that rewards exploration rather than browsing. Kabinett’s atmosphere reflects the owners’ deep creative roots and a curatorial approach that invites discovery and delight at every turn.
Kabinett was nominated and chosen by the team at Australian Giftguide magazine. Editor Marion Gerritsen said Kabinett stood out from the outset. “Kabinett impressed our judges for its clarity of vision, beautifully executed, unique retail environment and product curation and for the way it consistently delivers a memorable customer experience. Melissa has built a business with a strong sense of identity and I’m looking forward to seeing her showcase Kabinett on a global stage.”
The full international list of 2026 gia Global Honourees for Retail Excellence can be found here.
