Andrew Shub and Howard Herman, who have years of experience in clothing retail in Australia, both previously worked at men and women’s fashion brand Queenspark, under the Specialty Fashion Group (SFG). They have now launched their own start-up company, Universal Retail Brands (URB), have bought Events from a private investor and plan on expanding the brand through store presence and online.
Shub founded Queenspark 11 years ago but sold it to SFG in 2007. He and Herman then bought it back in 2010 and the duo will now operate both Queenspark and Events under URB.
“It is our intention to expand the ownership and/or distribution of brands under the URB umbrella,” Shub said. “The introduction of a weekend-wear option for the customer will also evolve as we test this element through winter 2012.”
He said the product range will be improved via its group sourcing strategy, with quality and fabrication options expanded.
Both Events, which has an iconic history spanning more than 35 years, and Queenspark, each have 30 stores.
A project has already begun to completely revamp and relaunch the Events website, and this will finished by December 10.
Shub said they also hope to expand the store network, particularly in Queensland and Western Australia.
The first ‘new look’ store will open in Mackay at Canelands Central before Christmas and they have secured two further stores due to open early next year.
“The new concept store fit-out will embrace the new digital age of retailing where bricks-and-mortar stores are clearly evolving to work hand in glove with the online offer and e-marketing opportunities,” Shub said. “Digital screens will communicate the weekly new products with easy updates, and in addition customers will be able to view the web, order directly or have the option of picking up in store.”
Social networking will also be a key part of the shopping experience and video via the digital facilities in store will be screened during key fashion periods.
Shub said although the two brands will operate independently from a customer’s perspective, a number of key management staff will be employed by URB to be responsible to view the group as a whole.
Former Events chief executive, Alan Radomsky, joined the Retail Apparel Group this year after being head-hunted, as previously reported by Ragtrader.
