Australia is smooth sailing for the likes of Zara, H&M, Topshop and River Island, right?
International retailers have had a successful spell in the Australian market. But there are challenges too.
ragtrader.com.au looks back at magazine interviews and print stories to shed some light on what they are.
H&M: Finding the right location
"We have actually been scouting for locations in this market for over three and a half years. Locations like the GPO don't grow on trees - they are hard to get. The first stores you open in a new market are the most important though - they have to be the right ones. That's so important. So we took the time to find that."
Ragtrader profile on H&M Australia country manager Hans Andersson. May, 2014.
Topshop: Competition from other giants
"There are a lot of foreign retailers now entering this market and I think that will make it difficult for a lot of brands here, because of the volume of product compared to the relatively small population. It could make things hard. We are not arrogant, despite our international network and the brand's appeal. I don't think that's smart."
News story featuring Next Athleisure owner Hilton Seskin, local licensee of the Topshop and Topman brands. January, 2014.
River Island: Finding a local retail partner
"We are now doing it ourselves. So although it's frustrating how long these things take, I think it's really important that we now find the right sites for the long-term and develop strong partnerships with landlords - we're not just going to jump at any site, for any price."
News story featuring River Island country manager Victor Rondi. May, 2014.
Zara: Maintaining the momentum
A report by Macquarie Private Wealth revealed Zara recorded a double digit revenue leap for 2014, up 32.1 per cent to $141.16 million for the 12 months to January 31. While impressive, this was down from the whopping 56 per cent increase recorded in 2013, with sales per store falling since its local debut in 2011. "It also appears that the initial stores have been more productive than the later stores, potentially highlighting store maturation, increased competition from other new entrants including Topshop and the high foot traffic, flagship nature of the initial Pitt Street and Bourke Street stores."
News story featuring Macquarie Private Wealth analysts. July 2014.
