“Our 20th year has been one of renewed momentum,” founder and CEO Dipendra Goenka says.

However, those participating this year will spend more than last year.

Following the closures, the business is expected to have around 20 stores left. 

This comes after the business reported a 26% drop in sales in FY26.

Total first-time insolvencies have peaked in August this year, with retail insolvencies scaling steadily since 2022.

Style Arcade brought us in to unpack what it takes to turn creator-led demand into sales.

“Merrell Emporium is a global first," Accent Group brand general manager Joel Biggins said.

Black Pepper is also planning to open a new store there.

This comes as some fashion brands and retailers hit the wall this year, including Cue & Co and Stax.

But the near future is still looking quite bleak, according to ANZ economist Sophia Angala.

This comes two years after VF Corporation took back direct control of the AU/NZ business.

Soft goods include clothing and footwear.

Other major players such as Cotton On, Dissh, Under Armour and JD Sports have also signed up to the collective.

The service launches today across 156 Big W stores.

Media reports name Justin Levis and fashion group Brand Collective as potential bidders.

ASIC filings also reveal the Australian arm of Nike lifted its total profit after tax for the year by around $1 million.