The owner of a Byron Bay whimsical lifestyle brand has spoken of her devastation after spotting Aldi’s new picnic rugs that look almost identical to her range.
Sharnee Thorpe, the founder of Wandering Folk, spent “every drop of energy” to launch her high-end range of printed picnic rugs from her bedroom in Sydney in December 2015.
WATCH IN THE VIDEO ABOVE: Business owner spots similar designs at Aldi
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The homegrown boutique label has since gained a legion of fans with its $190 “aesthetically pleasing” and “picture-perfect” rugs featuring hand drawn vintage-inspired florals.
But after seven years of “blood, sweat and tears”, Sharnee says she was on the verge of tears when she noticed the budget supermarket chain appeared to have “taken inspiration” from her best-selling rugs to create its own, cut-price versions costing just $49.99.
Both rugs appear strikingly similar with many of the same features, including the waterproof base, big tassels in each corner and woven carry strap.
“To be honest it just made me feel sick to my stomach, especially when I saw the price they were selling them for,” Sharnee tells 7Lifestyle.
“This is my creation, it’s an extension of my being. One part of me feels complimented but the other feels heartache. The impact on me, my little family and my business will be catastrophic.
“This really does break my heart.”
The textile designer says she only discovered the budget picnic rugs, which was part of Aldi’s Special Buys catalogue in December, after her customers alerted her via email.
“The first thing I said was ‘I think I’m going to cry’,” she recalls.
“As soon as we were made aware of the catalogue, we engaged an intellectual property lawyer who sent a letter to Aldi on our behalf informing them that we…
Read More: Byron Bay business owner Sharnee Thorpe behind Wandering Folk picnic rugs