Highly Commended - High Tide Mark, Always Habit

INFO BOX

STORE: High Tide Mark
OWNER: Glen Thompson
NUMBER OF STORES: One
LABELS: Ben Sherman, Clutter & Buck, Columbia Sports Wear, Gant, Arco Pedico, Kariba, Resort Report, Christine Phillipe, Annika, Ganton Pink, Line 7
STORE: Always Habit
OWNER: Vanessa Hoe
NUMBER OF STORES: Three Always Habit stores, one men's accessories store Qubed
LABELS: Always Habit, Loose Canon, Resurrection of Cool, Vanguard, Trash Tusa, Uber Stone, ARX


Queensland yielded two retailers deserving of a "highly commended" mention: Sunshine Coast men's and women's casual and beachwear store High Tide Mark and Brisbane menswear boutique Always Habit.
Queensland independent winner for 2004, High Tide Mark continues to impress with excellent buying and store presentation.
Since last year it has expanded its floor space from 92 to 155 square metres and is currently developing its own "Htm" brand with the launch of the Htm beach survival kit, to include hat, zinc cream and Aussie Soles shoes, priced at under $49.
"We are always looking at ways to take the business forward. Put simply we love what we do," says owner Glen Thompson.
Specialising in contemporary men's fashion, Always Habit owner Vanessa Hoe impressed judges with her entrepreneurial flair. Hoe has opened four stores within 18 months, outstripping her plan to open five in five years.
Hoe manufactures the Always Habit label - which makes up around 80 per cent of the store's business. "If you want to be vertical, you have to have your own brand," she says.
With further stores on the Gold Coast planned for the coming year, Always Habit is undoubtedly a retailer to watch.