9 minute read
Supplier Insights
SHINY
FAIRFIELD, VIC
SHINY began in 1993 as a small embroidery decorator business in humble premises in Abbotsford with 1 second-hand computerised embroidery machine and 3 staff. With the passion for the best and the motto of “God is our guide” we provided quality embroidery at realistic prices, and we put our customers first by delivering what we promised when we promised. As the business increased so did the need for larger premises and SHINY relocated to a larger complex in Collingwood during 1999. As the embroidery business and our customer numbers grew, our customer feedback indicated the customer benefits for SHINY to provide the product and the embroidery combined saving time and money with a one stop service. SHINY began to import apparel to decorate in-house offering the complete solution for customer needs for quick turnaround time in a growing industry. Since then SHINY has continued to grow and is now the largest embroidery company in Australia and the southern Hemisphere. Eventually SHINY outgrew our Collingwood premises so in 2003 SHINY moved to a much larger complex in Fairfield where we remain today. Over the following years in these premises there have been many improvements in the original building and equipment including the acquisition of a large building backing our site which gave us the expansion to establish our substantial warehouse. Today we have a facility that covers 20,0000m2 and employs 121 staff in Victoria and 160 staff nationally. We currently have 48 computerised embroidery machines with 700 embroidery heads and 4 screen printing machines in our Melbourne complex and we also have additional computerised embroidery machines and screen printing machines in our interstate facilities. SHINY now have 4500 distributors throughout Australia and export products to Pacific countries including New Zealand and New Caledonia. The journey over the past 28 years has seen SHINY gather substantial market share and SHINY are now one of the top three suppliers within our industry. FRONTLINE STORES AUSTRALIA LTD and SHINY have a long term partnership which continues today and growing, so we are pleased to be an exhibitor at the 2022 FAB EVENT to showcase our products and services! Sustainability is important to SHINY so in 2016/2017 SHINY committed to programs that benefits the environment, improves working conditions and saves on expenses. 1. SHINY upgraded to energy efficient LED lighting in 2016 · (1043) lamps installed · Annual energy saving (kWh) (357,916) · Carbon abatement (kg) (357,916) · Up to (90%) less heat in work areas and reducing cooling needs. · Glare reduction in work areas 2. Solar was installed onto our existing roof area in 2017. · Size 93.15kWp Solar PV System · Panel numbers: 345 Jinko panels. · Considerable reduction with dependability on regular energy sourcing.
NEW RANGE FROM EXPEDITION APPAREL
Liverpool Football Club
In August, Expedition Apparel expanded their already large menswear casual and tailoredwear range to include licensed product under the Liverpool Football Club brand. This coincides with the 130th anniversary of the club in 2022. One of the most iconic and successful English football clubs in history, founded in 1892, LFC are the most followed club in the Premier League. They have 2 million followers in Australia/New Zealand, including 461,000 on various social media. With a design and manufacture license, Expedition created an initial mens winter range for 2022, consisting of 20 pieces. Retail price points start at $39 for selected printed tees, and go up to $140 for puffer jackets. All pieces are available in sizes S to 4XL, and cater for a relaxed lifestyle. Supporters can choose between either subtle or boldly branded designs, made from quality-weight fabrics, prints and trims. The reception to this initial range has given way to a second range for Spring/Summer 2022, which will premiere at the upcoming FAB-Event in February. Please join us and be part of the world greatest football family….”You’ll never walk alone” For product queries, please contact: (03) 9388 0817.
UNIT
2022 will mark 20 years of UNIT, solidifying it as one of Australia’s most recognised and enduring lifestyle brands in an everchanging landscape. Built on a foundation of art and action sports, UNIT has kept its design DNA at the centre of its path of progress. It is this direction that has kept the brand engaged with its core fans and followers from its earlier days, while allowing it to set its sights on how the brand will continue to grow in the future. Distinct and original artwork and design stories continue to set the brand apart from the rest. Every concept is created from scratch, designed specifically with the Australian market in mind, whether it be for kids, youth, mens or ladies. The design process ensures the brand is aligned with fashion trends within its own scope and direction. With its ability to adapt to changes in the fashion landscape, UNIT is also in the unique position where it is effectively introducing a ‘new generation’ to the brand. Many of its original core fans and followers are now starting their own families and are being constantly delighted by the range and quality of the ever-expanding kids and youth ranges. The last few years have seen UNIT expand its ranges in technical riding gear and add the categories of sport and activewear. This focus on creating core, functional products with a renowned level of quality specifically for the Australian market has been met with a strong response from fans and followers. By adding apparel and accessories for active lifestyles and working out alongside an already extensive range of casual products (along with technical riding gear and workwear) UNIT is reaching a greater audience than ever before. And during this growth the commitment to excellence and quality has only strengthened. The brand continues to build on its strong support of Australian retail, determined to deliver an equally exceptional level of service and brand experience to every door that stocks its products.
STEWART’S MENSWEAR
Mullumbimby. NSW
stewartsmenswear.com.au
Give us an overview of your store, location and brief history?
We are located in Mullumbimby, which is part of the Byron Shire on the Far North Coast of NSW. Stewarts Mercery was established in 1929 by Norman Stewart who was married to Audrey Barrett (the owner of the shop building). The original menswear store also housed a billiards parlour and a barber shop. There was a change of ownership at one time to the owner of the billiards parlour, but Norman Stewart became the owner again in 1937 during the War. Norman’s only son Tom Stewart and his wife Jean took over the business in 1955. Interestingly Jean was the daughter of F.I. Ward, the owner of the F.I. Ward Emporium next door. Freehold to the property was passed to Tom in 1968 and the name was modernised to Stewart’s Menswear in 1980 when one of their sons, Bill Stewart took over the family business. We bought the business from Bill (who was a member of Frontline Stores) when he retired in 2004. Gerard had worked for the Stewart family for 25 years and now has over 40 years’ experience in the menswear retail trade. We were both born and raised in Mullumbimby, we love our community and it is a privilege to continue the tradition of local family ownership. We continue to offer the same friendly, personalised service that our locals have come to know and appreciate. Give us brief highlights of your current business and challenges?
Staying competitive with current price inflations due to increases in the price of raw materials and shipping from overseas. There also comes with this, delays in the receipt of stock. Customer expectations are constantly evolving. With the internet at their fingertips 24/7, they are more informed than ever on products and comparison prices etc. In our local area, there has been a real estate boom, with many city dwellers moving to the country. They bring with them a sense of urgency and a different expectation of service which can be particularly challenging in our once laid-back town. Because of the lockdowns, people are simply buying the basics, there is no need for any going out or more formal attire, so fashion ranges have been slow to move. Who knew flannelette shirts would be the biggest seller of 2021!! The uncertainty of COVID-19 lockdowns has been a huge challenge this past few months. Last year during COVID-19, any business that was able to open was deemed essential, so although we had a downturn, there was little actual business interruption. As we are now on the “non-essential” list, when there is a lockdown, we are not able to physically open the store. A series of open/shut/open/shut is the biggest challenge we have faced this year. The looming restrictions on those who are unvaccinated entering nonessential business is a real concern right now. We are not sure how this will unfold for small businesses such as ours who do not have the manpower to police the store entrance.
What are your thoughts on your current industry and where it is headed?
Although we are seeing statistics of high e-commerce use by consumers, there is still very much a place for bricks and mortar stores, particularly independent stores like those in the Frontline membership base. Our number one demographic is aged 45+, they prefer to shop in person rather than on-line. Even during lockdown, we have found that this age group prefers to phone through, have a chat and place their order. Even if an order is eventually placed on-line, they usually initiate social media contact or a phone conversation first. We have many day trippers from the Gold Coast and Brisbane who prefer to shop in our type of store where they are likely to find something different to the clothing found in the shopping mall chain stores. Obviously, the QLD border closure has had a large impact on this demographic for us. We have changed the way we buy, choosing those suppliers who have stock service lines that we can fill in as necessary, so we are able to do smaller orders more often. People still like to look, feel, and try on their clothing. Even as a retailer this is true! Missing out on the Frontline Buying Events can give retailers a lack of confidence in buying new, unseen ranges.
