Topshop
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK - 12th April 2011: Topshop and Topman window displays in the city centre of Edinburgh. Both retail companies are part of the Arcadia Group, which specialises in high street fashion labels.

 

Fast fashion retailers Topshop and Topman Australia have been placed in voluntary administration as the company considers its ‘optimal operating structure’.

The news comes six years after the high street chains launched into the Australian market, franchised by Austradia.

Topshop/Topman Australia has annual sales of approximately $90 million and employs 760 people.

Ferrier Hodgson partners James Stewart, Jim Sarantinos, and Ryan Eagle have been appointed voluntary administrators by Austradia’s board of directors, and Stewart said it will be business as usual as the administrators work with Arcadia Group, the UK owners of the Topshop/Topman brand, on supporting the business.

“Topshop/Topman is one of the world’s best known fashion retailers operating nine standalone stores, 17 Myer concessions and an online business in Australia,” he said.

Employees will continue to be paid by administrators and gift cards and product returns will continue as normal.

Meanwhile, Japanese high street retailer Uniqlo shows no sign of slowing down in the Australian market, announcing plans to open its 13th Australian store later this year.

Located in Brisbane’s northern suburbs, the Westfield Chermside store will be the retailer’s fourth location in Queensland and is expected to create more than 50 jobs for residents in the local community.

In a statement, Uniqlo said it was committed to growing Australia as a key market in the Asia-Pacific region through a unique shopping experience and excellent customer service.

“Since opening our first store in Queensland in 2015, we’ve received a very positive response from local shoppers…,” said Uniqlo Australia CEO Kenji Tsuji.

“It made sense to continue to expand our presence in the region, and we are thrilled to be able to make the Uniqlo brand more accessible for shoppers across Queensland.”

In other news…

‘Kill them with kindness’ & other lessons from Watson X Watson: We caught up with Liberty Watson, co-founder of Aussie fashion label Watson X Watson. Liberty spoke about expanding internationally, the challenges of wholesaling and the business owner’s constant struggle—cash flow.

Aussie butcher wins best retail interior award: Double Bay’s 1888 Certified butcher has been awarded for its impressive interior. Take a peek inside the super cool store.

How Australian retailers can win against Amazon: It wouldn’t be a normal week in Aussie retail without a few words on Amazon. We got some insights from a leading analyst about what local retailers can do to keep up with the ecommerce giant.

Retailer in trouble for underpaying employee $60,000: JPA Manchester is in trouble again, this time for allegedly underpaying an employee.

Retailer profile: The Gymea Lily in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire is a reflection of its owner Jo Morris—bright, welcoming and beautifully styled. We spoke to Jo about her 30 years of retailing.

5 ways to deliver a great fulfilment experience: Jason Titman, director and COO of Neto, has some fantastic advice on creating a memorable shopping experience for your customers. He really knows his stuff, so check out the column.

 

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