From Spicer's to Spixal: A Family Business Story

For more than 35 years, school bags have been part of life in the Spicer family.

Through the family business, sisters Deanna and Maggie grew up surrounded by backpacks, stationery, school supplies and the annual back-to-school rush.

That experience would eventually help inspire another Australian business: Spixal.

Growing up in a school-bag family

Back to school has always been one of the busiest times of year at Spicer's.

Families come through the doors looking for exercise books, stationery, pencil cases, school bags, lunch bags, drink bottles and all the other things children need to get through the school year.

Deanna and Maggie grew up around that environment before both going on to work as graphic designers.

Years later, they became mums themselves.

Suddenly they weren't looking at school products from behind the counter. They were the parents trying to pack lunches, organise bags, remember hats and get kids out the door on time.

And despite having grown up around school products, they still struggled to find exactly what they wanted.

So they designed it themselves

The idea behind Spixal was to create school and lunch gear that solved practical problems without forgetting about the person who actually has to carry it.

Kids care about what their backpack looks like.

Parents care whether the lunch bag fits, whether there's enough storage, whether products will survive everyday school life and whether tomorrow morning will be easier than today.

Spixal brings those two perspectives together.

The range now includes backpacks, lunch bags, bento boxes, drink bottles, insulated food jars, snack containers, pencil cases and reusable lunch accessories.

Many of the products are designed to coordinate, allowing families to build a school setup around the colours and designs their child actually likes.

Meet Deanna and Maggie and read the full Spixal story.

Still part of the family story

Although Spixal has grown into its own brand, its roots in the family business remain an important part of its story.

Spicer's Office Choice continues to serve Broken Hill families from 168 Argent Street, while Spixal develops school and lunch products for families around Australia.

And yes, you'll find Spixal products here at Spicer's too.

If you're local, come into Spicer's Office Choice and have a look.

Or you can explore Spixal backpacks, lunch bags, bentos and school gear online.