Judging prerogative
Judging the Ragtrader Fashion Retailer of the Year 2007 is a mixed blessing; on the up side you get to visit countless stores and talk to leading retailers about their business, on the down side, your credit card never leaves its wallet and, worse still, you have to pick winners.
Sitting in judgement over some of the best fashion retail businesses in Australia is nerve-wracking, because they're all so damn good, but independents never fail to win special admiration because they have less backing than their multi-outlet counterparts. This year's winners - Gorman, Arthur Galan AG and Mosh & Jolly - in the womenswear, menswear and childrenswear categories respectively - all shone for different reasons.
Gorman for fantastic product and stores and its work on environmental sustainability and corporate and social responsibility. Arthur Galan AG for premium, locally-made product and a standout track record. And Mosh & Jolly for breadth of offering and customer service. Meanwhile, womenswear indie Morrison more than earned its silver button with a superbly designed, made-in-Australia collection, while Andiamo, Belinda and Directions gained silk sashes for their ongoing contributions.
In menswear, Brisbane retailer Always Habit - by now an awards veteran despite the youth of its founder Vanessa Hoe - earned a silk sash for continual innovation, as did renowned denim label Ksubi for its collective structure, standout branding and fresh, creative approach.
The reason for Feathers' win in the smaller chains category this year is simple; just walk into its stores and look at the now fully realised potential of what has always been a great brand. Edge Clothing receives a silver button this year while last year's winner Peter Alexander has continued to grow his business with characteristic panache. Jigsaw deserves praise for its enhanced fit outs, ranges and staff benefits, Review for a strong business which promises significant growth in future and Calabro for a burgeoning bridalwear offer that combines passion with commercial savvy in a highly specialised arena.
At the big end of town winner General Pants excelled again this year (having won two years ago) for that extra pinch of inspiration that enhances every aspect of an already strong business. But all the finalists including Just Jeans, David Lawrence, Portmans, Esprit, Tarocash and Country Road are kicking serious goals within their markets.
While Just Jeans and David Lawrence earned silver buttons, last year's winner Portmans deserves recognition for its standout product and employment record, Esprit for dramatically enhancing the quality of its range and Tarocash for being the most understated but successful menswear chain I for one have ever encountered. Meanwhile, with green retailing and corporate and social responsibility becoming ever more pressing issues, Country Road deserves a special mention for its recent statement of intent to become a leader in both areas.
Aside from their achievements over the year, retailers small and large should be congratulated for taking part in the awards at all. In an industry as competitive as fashion retail the cliché that taking part is what counts is truer than ever. To all entrants, heartfelt thanks for generously - and sportingly - giving your time.
By Belinda Smart