SYDNEY: Oroton Group has announced plans to launch Oroton only lingerie stores, following its recent move to bring lingerie and men's underwear management in-house.
CEO Sally Macdonald said in an address to shareholders that the stores would open over the next twelve months, but she did not state how many.
The company intends to expand the lingerie business within department stores and boutiques, with a view to obtaining a strong market share over a three year period.
Oroton lingerie was previously designed and managed by an external licensee company.
MacDonald said complementary categories such as loungewear and sleepwear will be introduced over time.
The accessories group has just released its first shoe collection, comprising leather ballet flats for women at $195 each. This year it also released knitwear and jewellery.
Oroton reported sales for the first 17 weeks of trading in the 2009/10 financial year were up 14 per cent compared to the same period last year for the group overall.
The announcement follows reports that Oroton intends to expand its international footprint. At a recent trade seminar in Sydney, WGSN senior fashion editor Sue Evans indicated the company was "intensively" researching a potential move into the Asian retail market. Evans, who met with Macdonald recently, said this included exploring strategic business partners and fresh store opportunities.
Oroton Group is a Sydney based company which also holds the Australian licence for Polo Ralph Lauren. It is currently in negotiations to renew the Polo Ralph Lauren licence, which expires in June 2010.