Department store Myer is set to expand its homewares offering after securing a new concession store partnership with Global Retail Brands.
GRB is a developer of speciality retail homeware brands and retailers, including House, Robin’s Kitchen and Bessemer.
GRB’s The Custom Chef and The Cook Shop stores will launch in 40 Myer department stores, with the rollout “well-progressed” according to the pair, with 14already open so far.
Meanwhile, GRB is also set to open Salt&Pepper concessions in all 56 Myer locations nationwide after acquiring the brands and operating assets of the tabletop business. These stores will be opened after Father’s Day.
The scaling of Myer’s non-fashion categories come after a challenging FY25 trading environment, with fashion sales overall subdued across the country compared to other retail categories. This is noted in shopping centre MAT sales results from Vicinity Centres and Stockland, which show apparel sales more subdued compared to the likes of homewares.
In its last trading update, Myer reported a sales growth of 1.9 per cent at Myer, with its Apparel Brands – being Just Jeans, Jacqui E, Jay Jays, Dotti and Portmans – reporting a sales slump of 3.9 per cent.
“Despite challenging trading conditions that were compounded by a subdued retail environment in the lead-up to the May federal election, Myer has reported growth in its year-to-date sales,” Olivia Wirth said in late May this year. “Consumers remain cautious and focused on value in response to cost-of-living pressures and the current macroeconomic headwinds and uncertainty. This has resulted in volatile trading conditions with widespread promotional activity across the retail sector.”
Wirth added Myer remains focused on resetting the business and implementing its strategic growth plan to position Myer Group as an omni-channel retail platform capable of delivering growth during all phases of the economic cycle.
“While recognising FY25 is a year of transition for Myer Group, we have taken steps to strengthen our leadership team and are making good progress in implementing our strategy.
“We are embedding Apparel Brands into the Myer Group, strengthening our balance sheet by successfully refinancing, commenced a restructure of Sass & Bide, Marcs and David Lawrence and have implemented an interim solution for the next peak trading period to address the challenges we faced at our new National Distribution Centre in 1H25.”
Speaking on the new deal with GRB, Myer’s chief merchandise officer Belinda Slifkas said homewares is a cornerstone of its customer offering, adding it is hugely popular with its Myer One loyalty members and a category where Myer’s exclusive brands are performing well.
“By forging strategic partnerships like this, we unlock the power of our national footprint for suppliers, while curating a compelling mix of sought-after brands for our customers,” Slifkas said.
“The Custom Chef, The Cook Shop, and Salt&Pepper are household names in homewares, and their arrival as concession partners elevates both our product range and the in-store experience – bringing even more inspiration to every Myer visit in store and online.”
GRB CEO and chairman Steven Lew said this new partnership with Myer adds to a new chapter for the three retail businesses.
“We’re committed to meeting our customers where they like to shop, and Myer’s extensive footprint creates a perfect platform that enables us to reach even more Australian homes,” Lew said.
“Concession stores have long been a success story for department stores and retail brand owners, particularly in the categories of beauty and apparel. The Custom Chef and The Cook Shop have enjoyed tremendous success in speciality and department stores internationally.
“We’re proud to partner with Myer and be the first to introduce this concept into the home category, with a focus on offering innovation of the best product all with a Lifetime Guarantee.”