Briefs
Reebok’s exclusive
NATIONAL: Independent retailers Highs & Lows (Perth), Level Three (Gold Coast), Laced (Brisbane), Sure Store (Melbourne) and Rivalry Urban Wear (Adelaide) will be the exclusive national stockists for a limited edition footwear product from Reebok. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of its classic runner, the GL6000, the activewear giant will release an updated model to selected international retailers from December 2010. The initiative is a collaborative venture, with the Highs & Lows model featuring logo detailing and company shades of grey, black and white. It will be priced at $140.
The Westfield effect
SYDNEY: Retail rents in the Sydney CBD continued to rise in the first half of 2010, despite flat sales in the sector. The latest research from commercial property firm CB Richard Ellis shows the ongoing revitalisation of Pitt Street Mall – and deals negotiated in the newly redeveloped Mid City Centre – have helped drive a 6.6 per cent increase in Pitt Street Mall rents to an indicative level of $8060 per square metre. Prime rents also recorded exceptional growth, rising by 5.7 per cent over the same period to reach an indicative level of $2777 per square metre.
Goot timing
MELBOURNE: Australian fashion designer Josh Goot has committed himself to a long-term pop-up store strategy, following a successful run at Melbourne Central. Opened from August 31 to September 5, the store cleared excess inventory from Josh Goot and Goot at up to 70 per cent off. This is the second pop-up store for the designer this year, with the most recent site in Sydney. Josh Goot also has a permanent site in Paddington, Sydney, with spring/summer 2010/11 stock dropping just last week.
Sticky trade
PERTH: The recent spate of luxury retail thefts in Sydney appears to have spread west. Police in Perth were forced to investigate the burglary of three upmarket fashion stores in Claremont and Mosman Park late last month, with stolen clothing valued at more than $150,000. The late-night hauls, believed to have taken place between Monday and Thursday, saw thieves snatch designer clothing garments from Citizen, Paige, Velvet and Nudie Jeans as well as jewellery, sunglasses and handbags.