Personal Shopper

Being paid to shop would be a dream job for many. But for Glen Proebstel this is a reality. He works as a personal shopper at Westfield Bondi Junction where he specialises in homewares.

“The good thing about getting someone in with a fresh idea or approach is that they can see things really differently to you,” he says.
But Proebstel points out part of his job is making sure that the shopping always complements the client’s style.

“It’s not about me projecting a particular look that the person needs,” he says. “It’s more about embellishing their own personal style and seeing what can be brought in to improve the look.”

Proebstel’s clients come from a variety of backgrounds and have different needs, too.

Some are not confident decorating, while others may have hectic lifestyles and want Proebstel to create a great living space for them.
Other clients might simply want him to help spruce up a room for a special occasion such as a dinner party or family gathering.

“Some people do it because they don’t have time,” he says.
“Other people like it because they know that they are getting someone experienced who knows what they are doing and they are prepared to outlay a bit of money because they know they are getting value.”
Proebstel aims to give his clients a few shopping tips to help them update their space without spending a huge amount.

“We could just look at small accessories like cushions or throws, maybe in the bedroom a new doona cover. Then we can resolve issues quite simply … it does not have to be a major outlay,” he says.

“I always relate it back to a wardrobe; you can buy your really good investment pieces and then all your little accessories can move that piece around over time. You could buy a beautiful sofa that might cost you up to $5000 but it will last you up to 20 years because it is a timeless piece, and then over the seasons you can add or take cushions off as you choose.”

Proebstel was style director for interiors magazine, Inside Out, for four years and has a wealth of experience as a freelance interior stylist and store merchandiser. He has been in the business for about 15 years and has worked his way to the top of his field. He started out on the shop floor in David Jones before he realised his passion was for styling and merchandising.

“I was just magnetised towards the way people would merchandise and put things together and then watch how customers would relate to that,” he says.

“I just have a huge love for beautiful things and home wares and the design objects that people create and the stories behind them.”
Proebstel’s personal style is natural and neutral, timeless classic pieces.

“They are the things that I will invest my money in,” he says.
He says he loves to mix the old and new and he can often be found combing through garage sales and markets to find bits and pieces.

“You have just got to reuse and recycle as well … that is just as important as going out and buying something new and that is part of that mix,” he says.
“New trends are all about authenticity and eclecticism. It is about having beautiful old things and mixing them with modern things.”

If you want to shop with Proebstel, there is a minimum two hours’ booking fee. He can go to your home and discuss decorating options with you, take you shopping and then install your new look.

How to be …
a personal shopper
To be a personal shopper you need a background in styling or visual merchandising, and an Education in design could be an asset. For information call the Australian Retailers Association (NSW) on 92903766 or visit http://www.ara.com.au/