Gaz Man defies GFC

 

Menswear retailer Gaz Man is inching closer to 50 national stores and an e-commerce arm in the wake of a strong financial year.

The Melbourne-based company claimed comparable store growth was up by 8 per cent for 2009/2010, and the business as a whole increased sales by over 14 per cent.

Executive chairman Garry Austin described the performance as “outstanding” in a climate marked by aggressive sales and discounting.

The brand currently has 41 sites across the country and sells through department stores Myer and David Jones, as well as independent boutiques.

General manager Paul Ansons said the next 12 months will see organic growth in its retail arm, with a new larger site at Garden City (WA), an opening in Claremont (WA) and a site under negotiation in Mosman (NSW).

He said existing flagship stores in Victoria and South Australia will be revamped in a bid to freshen up its image.

Approximately 80 per cent of the brand’s collections will also be offered online later this year, when the brand launches its e-commerce arm.

Assia Benmedjdoub