Jeep accelerates Oz expansion
Ken Hanvey, managing director of Revolution Brands, which holds the Australian licence for Jeep apparel and footwear, confirmed the company's expansion kicked-off earlier this month with the opening of Australia's first Jeep concept store at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne.
Targeting men and women of all ages, the new store stocks a comprehensive collection of shorts, jeans, polo shirts and leisure and safetywear.
A further three stores will open their doors in undisclosed locations along the Eastern seaboard of Australia late next year.
Whilst exact locations for the stores are yet to be decided upon, Hanvey did say the company is in lengthy discussions with retail landlords Wesfield and Lend Lease about suitable retail sites.
"Both groups are very impressed by the label," said Hanvey.
"They are both working hard to find [retail] locations for us as we speak. So far Westfield have presented us with two choices in Sydney - Parramatta and Chatswood."
Other prominanent shopping centres being investigated include Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast.
Jeep's local wholesale business is also set for expansion Hanvey said.
The company, which currently maintains 20 wholesale accounts in Australia, is looking to appoint sales agents in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland in a bid secure new accounts.
"In order to get new accounts we need to have quality agents. We are hoping to take our account base to between 50 and 75 by the end of next year," said Hanvey.
Along with the Australian expansion, Jeep is also experiencing solid growth in Taiwan and Latin America. In 2004, retail sales of Jeep lifestyle products topped $US500 million ($659 million) and grew by a staggering 50 per cent. Sales have grown at an average rate of 29 per cent since 1998.
Jeep branded products are currently sold in more than 40 countries worldwide.
The Australian licensee of Jeep apparel and footwear Revolution Brands has entered into discussions with Westfield and Lend Lease.