The local operator of Acne Studios has claimed a 38 per cent increase in trade in what he describes as a “pretty awful” retail market.
Peter Degotardi, CEO of the Black Spade Group, claims his three Acne Studio stores across Sydney and Melbourne were trading 38 per cent up on this time last year.
While the most established Acne Studios store is in Sydney's Paddington, Degotardi reported trade in Victoria was stronger than NSW.
He said it was Acne's “it brand” status and “cultural approach to branding” that was making the difference. “It's also very young – it's got a long way to go,” he said.
Black Spade Group also operates speciality denim retailer That Store, which has eight locations across NSW and Victoria. Degotardi said That Store will debut its online boutique in June, as well as pick up new brands including Canadian label Naked & Famous and the UK's Natural Selection.
They will join That Store's existing brands such as Bassike, Chronicles of Never, Edwin and Skinny Nelson.
Erin O'Loughlin