Depot eyes national expansion

Edgy men's and womenswear retailer Depot Clothing Company has unveiled plans to open up to 19 new stores in Australia by the end of 2006.
Joint managing directors Patrick Saad, Paul Elsibai and Chloe Pierre confirmed four new stores will open in New South Wales and Brisbane by the end of the year.
The company's retail expansion bid will commence in October with the launch of a new store at Hyperdome Shopping Centre in Brisbane. A further three stores will open their doors at Chermside in Brisbane and Macarthur and Penrith in New South Wales in November.
The new stores, which will target young men and women aged 15 to 25, will stock a range of apparel and accessory labels including Proposition, Global Essence, Cass & Joe, Erase, Soul Trap and CMS.
The company, which currently operates six stores in Sydney, is also looking for opportunities to expand its retail chain into other states in 2006.
"We are intersted in opening stores in all areas," said Elsibai.
"If consumers want us in a particular area then we will go there. It then just comes down to finding the right retail location in that area."
Depot Clothing is also investigating the possibility of launching a national billboard and print media campaign early next year. Whilst reluctant to divulge too many details about the planned campaign, Elsibai revealed they would be targeting a number of prominent fashion magazines including Cleo.
The announcement of the expansion strategy follows the company's inaugural fashion parade, which was staged at the Acardi Bar in Darlinghurst, Sydney on September 10.
"The event was really about thanking the people who have supported us since we started the business three years ago," said Elsibai.
"We are hoping to be able to hold events like this every few months, and not just in Sydney. We would like to take these events interstate in the coming year."
Approximately 350 people, including a number of high profile sporting, music, radio and TV celebrities, attended the event.