Inner west whispers – 232

News from the bakehouse and the online revolution sweeping local businesses

• Famously remembered for her quote, “It took seven years on the verge of bankruptcy to become an overnight success,” Paris Cutler of Planet Cake is closing her Balmain store. After being featured in her own TV show, and having supplied cakes to Rihanna and Katy Perry, Cutler went into voluntary administration in 2012 with $500,000 owed to suppliers and staff. Now with the worst behind her, the celebrity businesswoman will merge her business with Whimsical Cakehouse and Cake Decorating Solutions, and form a cake decorating megaforce.

• Can you guess which other well-known Balmain baker was spotted enjoying Sunday lunch at Gatto Matto Trattoria, Five Dock, recently? We’ll give you a clue: his name is synonymous with Zumbarons… That’s right, Adriano Zumbo was trying not to draw attention to himself, wearing a hat and sunnies, but our spies are everywhere. He followed up his delicious lunch with a visit to Cremeria de Luca for dessert, where he enjoyed a gelato and brioche.

•The much loved Shearer’s Bookstore is moving online and dispensing with their bricks and mortar establishment for now. After going through the toughest of economic conditions, a re-location from Palace Cinemas to MarketPlace Leichhardt, and facing fierce competition from overseas book retailers, Shearer’s had managed to thrive with the support of loyal customers and a sophisticated social media network. Don’t miss their final chapter and redeem any unused gift vouchers now. Their old location under the cinemas remains empty.

• Damask Homewares, Balmain, and Etelage Jewellery, Newtown, are another two high profile retailers that are moving online.