“A stab in the heart”: Byron Bay business accuses Aldi of releasing ‘copycat’ picnic rugs

A Byron Bay small business owner has spoken out about the “heartbreaking” experience of finding picnic rugs very similar to those her business produces on the shelves of Aldi at less than a third of the price.

While Wandering Folk’s decorative picnic rugs retail at $190, a product featuring similar designs and features is on sale at the budget supermarket for $49.99.

“A heartbreaking thing has happened,” Wandering Folk founder Sharnee Thorpe says in an Instagram video, before explaining that Aldi has released a rug that “looks to be ‘inspired by’ Wandering Folk”.

She says there is nothing the small business can do, “except for educate everyone on always supporting creatives”.