Country Road
 |
|
| Private | |
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1974 |
| Headquarters |
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, New Zealand |
|
Key people
|
Darren Todd, Managing Director Matt Keogh, CEO |
| Products | Clothing, footwear, accessories, homewares, furniture |
| Revenue | $237.6 million (FY06/07) |
|
Number of employees
|
10,001 |
| Parent | Woolworths Holdings Limited |
| Website | www |
Country Road is a middle market clothing retailer located in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa with 68 free standing stores and 77 department store concessions. South African company Woolworths Holdings Limited is the ultimate parent company of Country Road, whose offer of $17/share as accepted on 4 September 2014. The brand has a customer loyalty program which enables members to receive special offers and early invitations to sales. It was changed in 2007 to require members to spend a minimum amount annually to receive benefits.
The company produces women's clothing, footwear & accessories; men's clothing, footwear & accessories; children's clothing; and homewares. In 1981, Myer purchased Country Road, but was sold in 1987-88 and listed on the share market. In 1984, Country Road began producing menswear, then in 1986, it began producing accessories. In 1988, it expanded into homewares and the American market. In 1998, Woolworths Holdings Limited acquired a controlling interest in the company. By 2000-01, Country Road had closed its American stores and started producing childrenswear.
The company was founded in 1974 by Stephen Bennett, initially as a shirt label. It grew rapidly to become Australia's first lifestyle brand. By 1980, the company was selling women's apparel and had product in department stores as well as in 10 Country Road stores. Its growth during the '90s extended in both product range and location, operating over 100 stores at its peak.
It was relaunched in July 2004 as a company that has higher volume sales and lower product prices. In the years 2006–07, Country Road has reduced its prices by 25%, resulting in a 70% rise in sales volume. Prior to the re-launch, Country Road was a retailer with a premium price and a strong brand identity. Until February 2016, the creative director for Country Road was Sophie Holt (previously chief designer for women's fashion chain store Witchery). Its head office is located in Richmond, Victoria, the Australian flagship store is located nearby in South Yarra, Melbourne on Chapel Street.
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Wikipedia