Singapore-born sneaker marketplace Ox Street has launched in the Australian market.
The business has expanded into Australia after recognising it as one of the fastest-growing sneakers markets in the world.
Established in 2019, Ox Street currently serves eight South East Asia markets, connecting sneaker sellers with sneaker buyers across Asia and now, Australia.
Speaking on the expansion, Ox Street founder and CEO Gijs Verheijke (pictured) said the eTailer is excited to begin operations in Australia.
"With amazing street art and a vibrant sneakerhead sub-culture across its big cities, Australia is a perfect fit for the community we want to build in the long-term.
"We see a big supply gap when it comes to Australian buyers having access to the most coveted sneakers, whether they’re hot new drops or all-time classics.
"Over the past few years we’ve built a vast network of resellers across both Asia and ANZ and we’re looking forward to hitting the ground running in this new market," he said.
According to the eTailer, it has experienced more than 4x sales growth over the last 12 months, thanks to the rise of conscious consumers and investors who are prioritising fashion resale.
The business also ensures the authenticity of the items sold, ensuring buyers are receiving genuine kicks.
Once a sale is made, the seller sends the shoes to Ox Street to be authenticated. Once verified, the shoes are sent to the buyer.
If the shoes are found to be inauthentic, damaged or not as described, Ox Street notifies the buyer and provides a full refund.
Verheijke added that building trust with the customers is key for the business when expanding into new markets.
"In a fragmented digital landscape, our longer-term mission is to build a global hub for sneakerheads to come together and share their passion for awesome footwear.
"But especially as we expand into new markets, our relationship with the customer makes or breaks us.
"As such, our short-term goal is to build brand equity and a large part of that is being trusted to robustly authenticate the products passing through our hands before they reach a buyer," he said.
To celebrate the Australian launch, Ox Street will offer a flat rate AUD$25 shipping throughout the entirety of May.
The business will also partner with Sneaker Freaker on an Instagram-based sneaker giveaway worth more than AUD$2,000.