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Online Australian retailers are increasingly seeing the value of greeting their customers face-to-face, choosing to turn their hands to running bricks-and-mortar stores.
While bricks-and-mortar retailers are often urged to improve their online offerings, the likes of Groupon Australia and online <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/smartcompany-awards-2014/827-smartcompany-awards-2014/43755-7-hard-to-find" target="_blank">homewares boutique HardToFind</a> are using the Christmas period to experiment with physical pop-up shops.
Daily deals site Groupon Australia quietly opened its first Australian pop-up three weeks ago, offering shoppers in Surry Hills 70% off 20 products, which they can either purchase in store, or order online and pick up in person.
Groupon Australia chief executive Alistair Venn said this morning the retailer wanted to ensure the pop-up shop was “running perfectly” before officially launching the concept this week.
“It’s really ramping up now that we are fully into the Christmas period,” Venn says.
So far the feedback has been positive, with Venn saying Groupon is seeing both existing and new customers venturing in store. A spinning prize wheel, and special “Sydney pick up deals” on the Groupon website, offer extra incentives.
Venn says, of the Groupon customers that have purchased one of the 20 stocked products online, 47% have opted to “click and collect” – one of the most popular items to date is a 3 metre-wide deck umbrella – which is a “much higher ratio than we expected”.
“We foresee it will get even higher as we get closer to Christmas,” he says.
“The key is to provide customers with whatever solutions they need at the time they need them.”
Catering to Groupon customers who want to “click and collect” is the primary motivation for opening a physical store, says Venn, but introducing Groupon to new customers is also part of the strategy.
Venn says the concept will appeal to new customers who want to purchase physical goods from Groupon, as well as those who are interested in Groupon’s “experience” vouchers for things like holidays and beauty treatments.
Sydney is home to the largest share of Groupon’s four million members so it was an obvious choice for the site’s first physical store, says Venn. But the company is open to launching pop-up outlets in other cities during the festive season, as well as having a “physical presence all year round”.
“The peak of the benefit will still be in the peak season in the run up to Christmas,” he says.
Another online retailer trialling a Christmas pop-up shop is online homewares boutique HardToFind. The HardtoFind bricks-and-mortar store popped up at The Rocks in Sydney’s CBD last Thursday.
Erica Stewart, co-founder of HardToFind, said the shop has so far been embraced by Sydney shoppers.
“We’ve been open for one weekend and we had a steady flow of people through,” Stewart says.
“We had a lot of great comments about the products, lots of people took home the catalogues or shopped from the iPad stations we set up.”
The HardToFind pop-up shop is open between Thursday and Sunday for the next two weeks, with Stewart and co-founder <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/44120-diary-of-an-entrepreneur-how-trudi-jenkins-found-fashionable-success-with-hard-to-find">Trudi Jenkins</a> hoping to “make the most of weekend traffic and the market activity in the area”.
“For us it’s a way to bring the brand to life,” Stewart says of the decision to venture into bricks-and-mortar retailing.
“It’s the idea of new retail or showrooming, customers can come in and browse and then order in store. We have iPads in store and we printed out 5000 glossy catalogues for the pop-up store. All the products in store are listed in the catalogue so people can order products they have seen from the comfort of their own home.”
This is the first time HardToFind has experimented with a physical store and Stewart says if the pop-up shop is successful, the retailer will consider a more permanent physical presence. At the very least, Stewart says she “would love to roll [the pop-up shop] out to other states”.
While Stewart admits the shop’s fitout was “costly” because the HardToFind team “wanted to do a good job”, she says there are “great rental deals” to be found in Sydney at this time of the year thanks to an abundance of vacant storefronts.
“There is also a bit of a pop-up movement at The Rocks,” she says.
Like Groupon, HardToFind is also running promotions in conjunction with the pop-up shop, including offering shoppers free frozen yoghurt.
“Omni-channel is still a big buzz word in the ecommerce space, customers want something a bit different or experiential,” Stewart says.
“It’s about offering that little bit extra, something a bit different.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Online retailers turn to Christmas pop-up shops in bid to cash in on “new retail”

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The US arm of collapsed fast food chain Pie Face could be in for a costly legal battle, with a New York-based building company initiating legal action against the company, which it alleges wrongfully terminated a contract and failed to pay bills of up to US$360,000 (A$425,129).
Building company AT Concept has launched a claim against the Pie Face store near Hell’s Kitchen as well as parent company Pie Face Holdings in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/pie-face-pursued-for-building-debts-in-the-us/story-e6frg8zx-1227140189885" target="_blank">according to News Corp</a>.
In its claim, AT Concept said it was engaged by Pie Face Holdings to construct the store in 2013 for an agreed price of US$303,560, with the bills for the project later climbing to $US360,000 due to new demands from Pie Face management.
But AT Concept alleges Pie Face breached its contract by failing to pay for the completed work and later terminating the contract.
“At the time the plaintiff’s contract was wrongfully terminated, it had completed work in the amount of US$313,831.35, no part of which had been paid, except the amount of US$194,069.08, thereby leaving a balance due and owing of US$119,762.27,” the AT Concept claim states.
The building firm is hoping to recover this amount through the court action, as well as legal costs and fees.
According to News Corp, Pie Face has denied the claims. Jirsch Sutherland, the administrators of the Australian Pie Face business, declined to comment when contacted by SmartCompany this morning.
The lawsuit follows the quiet closure of six out of seven Pie Face stores in New York City in October, just weeks before the Australian business plunged into administration.
Administrator Sule Arnautovic of Jirsch Sutherland <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/franchising/44816-pie-face-company-stores-in-melbourne-close-ahead-of-meeting-with-franchisees-next-week" target="_blank">said on Friday</a> that 20 Pie Face stores have closed as part of the voluntary administration process, with 130 part-time employees losing their jobs.
A meeting of Pie Face franchisees, management and administrators is expected to take place this week, while a meeting of creditors is scheduled for Wednesday.
Macquarie has emerged as the one of the troubled chain’s secured creditors and last week appointed Ferrier Hodgson partners Steve Sherman and Peter Gothard as receivers to a number of key Pie Face assets.
A spokesperson for Ferrier Hodgson said this morning Sherman and Gothard have been appointed as receivers for “cash at bank as well as shares held in Pie Face Inc, as well as director loan accounts” in Pie Face Holdings.
However, the spokesperson says Ferrier Hodgson will not have any involvement in determining if a Deed of Company Arrangement will be presented to Pie Face creditors.
“This is a matter for the voluntary administrators and creditors generally,” the spokesperson says.
<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/retail/how-pie-face-cooked-its-own-goose-20141128-11vbpq" target="_blank">Fairfax reports</a> Ferrier Hodgson has been appointed as receivers to control the agreement between Pie Face and high-profile US casino developer Steve Wynn, who made a $15 million investment in Pie Face’s US operations in 2012.
SmartCompany has contacted Wynn but is yet to receive a response and has been unable to contact AT Concept.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Pie Face US arm sued by builder over unpaid bills

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Twenty Pie Face stores are in the process of closing their doors for the final time, just one week after the pie franchise <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/44731-pie-face-plunges-into-administration" target="_blank">collapsed into voluntary administration</a>.
Administrator Sule Arnautovic of Jirsch Sutherland said this morning five company-owned Pie Face stores closed in Melbourne yesterday. 
Arnautovic said another eight company-owned stores in New South Wales will close, along with three in Queensland and one in Western Australia. Two franchised stores have also been closed. Approximately 130 part-time employees will lose their jobs as a result of the closures. 
The Pie Face store on Flinders Lane in Melbourne’s CBD shut its doors on Thursday afternoon and did not open again this morning. Phone calls to the store this morning went unanswered.
Jirsch Sutherland has <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/franchising/44750-five-lessons-from-the-collapse-of-pie-face" target="_blank">previously indicated</a> the source of Pie Face’s troubles is the group of 29 company-owned stores in the network, and Pie Face itself said last week it will seek to restructure the business to focus on its franchise and wholesale business. At the time of entering administration, there were 70 Pie Face stores in Australia, 43 of which are franchised. 
While Arnautovic says it is "unknown at this stage" if there will be any further store closures, he says "the balance of company-owned stores will likely continue if the group's restructure is approved by the group's creditors". 
A meeting of Pie Face franchisees, management and administrators is expected to take place next week.
While the company’s investors and at least <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/finance/44770-pie-face-collapse-franchisee-says-claims-of-unprofitability-are-nuts">one franchisee</a> have said they believe the chain will survive the administration process, franchising expert Howard Bellin <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/franchising/44792-pie-face-concept-wrong-says-franchise-expert-but-investors-stand-firm" target="_blank">said yesterday</a> he has serious “doubts” about the ability of the company to “stand the test of time”.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Pie Face to shut 20 stores ahead of meeting with franchisees next week

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Australian food franchise Pie Face has collapsed into voluntary administration.
In a statement released to SmartCompany, the Pie Face Group confirmed Jirsch Sutherland has been appointed as administrators.
However, Pie Face said it is “business as usual” as the administrators conduct a review of the chain’s operations.
“The move comes as part of a wider company review, which will see the company focus on supporting the growth of its franchise-operated stores as well as the wholesale business,” Pie Face said.
“The international businesses are not affected”.
A spokesperson for Pie Face confirmed there are currently 70 Pie Face franchises across Australia, although the Pie Face website lists 78 outlets, including 15 in the Melbourne CBD and 20 in the Sydney CBD.
There are Pie Face stores in all states and territories, except Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory, although South Australians can purchase its pies in On the Run convenience stores.
The collapse comes after Pie Face <a href="/expert-insights/investing/pie-face-quietly-closes-up-new-york-shops">quietly closed six of its seven stores in New York City</a> last month. While Pie Face has previously attempted to expand into India and New Zealand without much obvious traction, the chain is also believed to have agreements to enter South Korea and the Philippines.
The chain also became embroiled in a legal battle with a former franchisee <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/legal/41452-pie-face-in-legal-action-as-former-franchisee-seeks-800-000-for-misleading-conduct" target="_blank">earlier this year</a>.
Former franchisee Prit Dutta sued Pie Face for $800,000 in February, alleging the pie chain was misleading and deceptive when communicating the expected returns for its franchise stores.
The lawsuit followed reports in 2013 that around 50 Pie Face franchises were up for sale, although founder Wayne Homschek <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/32003-pie-face-founder-fights-back-against-loss-making-accusations" target="_blank">denied the reports to SmartCompany at the time</a>, saying the claims were “totally blown … out of proportion”.
Jason Gehrke, executive director of the Franchise Advisory Centre, said he believes some stores in the Pie Face network are company-owned and in some cases, company-owned stores can “be a drag on a franchisor’s resources if they are not part of a conscious growth strategy”.
Gehrke says Pie Face franchisees will need to be aware that a voluntary administration does not relieve them of the obligations in their franchise agreement.
“They will still have to pay loyalties, maintain supply agreements and so forth,” he says.
Gehrke says an administration can spell bad news for franchisees as it can “adversely affect the level of support available to franchises if the administrators opt to make any head office staff redundant”.
It’s also an issue when head office staff are busy assisting administrators, which is time they would otherwise be spending supporting the franchisees. 
But he says the administration of Pie Face may present a new business prospect for any interested buyers.
“I think this represents an opportunity for an existing franchisor or a group of motivated existing Pie Face franchisees to move quickly to acquire a brand that has some significant traction in the market,” Gehrke says.
SmartCompany contacted Jirsch Sutherland but did not receive a response prior to publication.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Pie Face bakery chain collapses into administration

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The local <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/25199-sorry-gerry--we-re-thriving-smart50-online-furniture-retailers-say-harvey-wrong-on-sector-s-sales">home furniture market</a> is set for a shake-up, with US furniture manufacturer Ashley Furniture reportedly set to open its first Australian store next month.
While Australian consumers can currently purchase Ashley Furniture products through Le Cornu, owned by ASX-listed Fantastic Holdings, <a href="https://www.afr.com/p/opinion/bums_on_seats_us_giant_ashley_furniture_7cltvePvh3hXKKl6BB1RNN">Fairfax reports</a> the first Australian standalone Ashley Furniture retail store will open in the Adelaide suburb of Gepps Cross in early December.
The store will be located in a homemaker centre that is already home to competitors Harvey Norman and Super Retail Group-owned BCF.
Ashley Furniture is owned by the Wanek family and is estimated to have a turnover of more than $US 3.5 billion ($4 billion) annually. The business was founded by 73-year-old billionaire Ronald Wanek, who is estimated to be worth $US1.97 billion by Forbes, and is currently led by son Todd Wanek.
Starting out as a sales company in 1945, Ashley Furniture merged with furniture manufacturer Arcadia Furniture in 1976. The first Ashley Furniture HomeStore retail outlet opened in Alaska in 1997 and by 2003, the company was operating 100 retail outlets in the US.
Ashley Furniture also operates stores in Canada, as well as South America and Asia, and according to Fairfax, is planning to open further stores around Australia.
The US company will be hoping to secure a sizeable slice of the Australian furniture retail market, which according to IBISWorld, is worth approximately $7.7 billion.
IBISWorld estimates some 4,364 business current operate in the local market, which includes retailers of household furniture, blinds, awnings and mattresses. Harvey Norman is estimated to hold the largest market share at 14%, followed by Steinhoff Asia Pacific Holdings, parent company of Freedom, Bay Leather Republic and Snooze, which controls 7.9%.
Senior IBISWorld analyst Stephen Gargano told SmartCompany existing players such as Harvey Norman and Freedom will likely be watching the movements of Ashley Furniture with a “keen eye” as the scale of the US company means it has the potential to “make a big splash” in the local market.
“There haven’t been any major new players enter the local market in the past five years, apart from <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/27533-williams-sonoma-and-pottery-barn-opening-in-australia-six-things-you-can-learn-from-the-american-homewares-giant">Pottery Barn</a> which has a very small operation,” Gargano says.
Growth in the local furniture market has been flat over the past five years, with IBISWorld research pegging annual growth in the sector at just 0.1% between 2010 and 2015.
“Furniture retailers have clearly faced some strain over the past five years,” Gregano says.
“While those at the cheaper end of the market such as IKEA have benefitted substantial from people opting to purchase cheaper products, some of the more expensive retailers have suffered as people have put off expenditure or found cheaper items.”
“In the face of those conditions, the entrance of Ashley Furniture does pose a potential threat in the future.”
IBISWorld predicts a modest uptick in annual growth for the industry of 1.7% between 2015 and 2020 and Gregano says Ashley Furniture is well-placed to take advantage of that return to growth.
“It is one of the largest furniture retailers in the world, it has a well-established business model that has been very successful wherever they have opened up, [and] they stock quite a big range,” he says.
And while Ashley Furniture appears to be starting off small with just one retail outlet in Adelaide, Gregano says the retailer has already “tested the waters” through its relationship with Le Cornu which “points to the fact there is some demand for their products”.
SmartCompany contacted Ashley Furniture but did not receive a response prior to publication.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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US furniture giant to open first Australian store in December

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Australian retailers are preparing for their best Christmas in five years, according to data released this month by the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan Research.
With consumer confidence <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/economy/42695-retail-sector-finishes-financial-year-on-a-high-spend-recovers-after-budget-slump">rebounding from a mid-year slump</a>, the ARA predicts Australian shoppers will shell out $45 billion between 15 November and 24 December, an increase of 4.3% on the $43 billion spent during the same period in 2013.
ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said retail figures have been in positive territory for most of the past 12 months and this steady level of trading has influenced the Christmas projections.
“Christmas remains an important aspect of the yearly retail calendar,” Zimmerman says.
“Over the last five years we have seen a year-on-year increase [in Christmas sales] but this year is the largest without a doubt.”
The ARA is predicting Christmas sales growth for all Australian states and territories except the Australian Capital Territory where sales are expected to decline by 0.4% compared to 2013.
New South Wales tops the list with projected growth of 6.1% for the period, followed closely by Tasmania at 5.9%, although Zimmerman says it is important to remember that Tasmanian retail sales will be “coming off a low base”.
Victorian retailers can expect to see growth of 4.4% this festive season, while those in Queensland and the Northern Territory are looking at a 3.9% and 3.2% boost, respectively. Retail sales are expected to grow by 2.9% in South Australia and 1.2% in Western Australia.
Hospitality, food and household goods are driving the projected growth, with the ARA and Roy Morgan forecasting a 6.8% increase in spending on hospitality this Christmas, followed by a 4.9% jump in spending on food and 4.4% on household products.
Spending on apparel is projected to come in at 0.2% less than last year, although the ARA says clothing, footwear and personal accessories retailers do usually see a last-minute bump in sales.
Despite the apparent optimism, Zimmerman says there is a general sense retailers have been cautious in their approach to buying Christmas stock this year and recommends shoppers get started on their Christmas buying early.
“There may be some shortage of stock this Christmas … so people should get out early,” he says.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Retail tills ringing as Aussies tipped to spend $45 billion this Christmas

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Contractors who engage in phoenix activity in the construction industry are expected to face charges soon as a result of a joint investigation by Australia’s corporate regulator and the Australian Tax Office.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is working with the ATO and the Fair Work Building and Construction inspectorate to investigate eight of the nation’s largest big construction projects to take action against contractors believed to be operating <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/legal/33614-company-directors-targeted-by-asic-in-phoenix-crackdown-which-industries-are-in-the-line-of-fire" target="_blank">phoenix scams</a>.
As part of the investigation, a number of large construction firms have agreed to provide the ATO with financial information and documents about their contractors in order to help identify sub-contractors engaging in phoenix activity.
<a href="https://www.afr.com/p/national/big_projects_could_be_hiding_phoenix_KjiNwbQ8AO9p4d5XhSvG3K" target="_blank">Fairfax reports</a> the ATO is compiling evidence for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, which will make the final call on whether company directors will be charged.
Tax Office assistant deputy commissioner Bruce Collins said this morning the ATO has “a number of significant ongoing investigations underway at the moment” and “expect[s] further charges to be laid in relation to illegal phoenix activities in the near future”.
Collins says phoenix activity describes a situation where a company is deliberately liquidated to “avoid financial obligations such as PAYG withholding, income tax, GST and super liabilities, without risking the operator’s assets, and with the intention of resuming business through a new entity”.
He says this kind of fraudulent phoenix activity “is widespread among labour intensive industries, especially in the property and construction industry”.
“We are currently liaising with head contractors from the property and construction industry to help deal with the risks associated with phoenix operators,” says Collins.
“This includes engaging with them on how phoenix activities could be occurring within their sub-contractor supply chain.”
A spokesperson for ASIC also said this morning the corporate watchdog is currently undertaking a “surveillance campaign focusing on directors who have a history of being involved in alleged illegal phoenix activity to try to prevent any illegal future behaviour”.
The spokesperson says ASIC has examined 208 possible cases of phoenix companies since July 2013, and of those cases, “six or seven are being investigated further”.
The spokesperson says ASIC is particularly concerned about “the use of false statutory declaration by subcontractors as a means of being paid (by the head contractor) for services undertaken during the construction of major building projects”.
“A disproportionately high number of corporate failures where illegal phoenix activity is alleged, occur in the industries of construction, labour hire, transport security and cleaning,” says the spokesperson.
“To combat this, ASIC has implemented a new and innovative strategy specifically focused on the building and construction industry.”
Both ASIC and the ATO have not identified which companies are providing information about their contractors, but Fairfax suggest the eight companies are likely to include construction giants Lend Lease and Leighton.
A spokesperson for Lend Lease told Fairfax the company is “aware that the ATO and ASIC are investigating the issue of phoenix companies” and Lend Lease will “work with the regulators as required”.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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ASIC and ATO cracking down on phoenix companies in construction industry

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Australia’s richest families are getting richer, according to the annual BRW Rich Families list released today.
The combined wealth of the 50 families on this list grew by $5 billion in the past 12 months, from $35.6 billion to $40.1 billion.
The average wealth of the families on the list also increased, from $712 million in 2013 to $803 million, a rise of 12%.
Melbourne’s Smorgon family, whose fortune lies in property, cosmetics, horticulture and equities, topped the list with wealth of $2.767 billion.
The Smorgons, whose patriarch Victor Smorgon died in 2009 at the age of 96, are followed by the Liberman family, whose investments in tech success story Freelancer and investment fund Square Peg Capital are clearing paying off with the family now sitting on a nest egg of $2.448 billion
Third in line is the Wilson family, whose wealth is now estimated to be worth $2.337 billion.
When it comes to generating wealth, the nation’s richest families have found the most success with investments and property, with the two industries accounting for 28% and 24% of the families’ combined wealth respectively.
However, it appears traditional sources of wealth in Australia —manufacturing and rural holdings—continue to generate returns for the country’s rich, with both sectors each accounting for 10% of the wealth on the list.
While Sydney is the home to 20 Rich Lister families, beating Melbourne’s 15, those who do live in the Victorian capital have a bigger share of the list’s wealth, at 42% compared to Sydney’s 29%.
The 10 richest families in Australia
<ol>
<li>Smorgan: $2.767 billion</li>
<li>Liberman: $2.448 billion</li>
<li>Wilson: $2.337 billion</li>
<li>Besen: $2.287 billion</li>
<li>Buckeridge: $2.1 billion</li>
<li>Myer: $2.047 billion</li>
<li>Roberts: $1.861 billion</li>
<li>Wright: $1.579 billion</li>
<li>Salteri: $1.255 billion</li>
<li>Talbot: $1.18 billion</li>
</ol>
The full list is <a href="https://www.brw.com.au/lists/rich-families/2014/;jsessionid=80C252D4D59524B8580BE4D71D5F820E">available on BRW</a>.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Property and investments the major source of Australia's richest families' wealth

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A Queensland fast food franchise that has been operating for 27 years has collapsed into receivership.
A notice lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission shows Jonathan Paul McLeod of MacLeod &amp; Partners was appointed as administrator of Brodies Mealmakers on July 29, with Michael McCann and Graham Killer of Grant Thornton appointed receivers and managers.
Brodies Mealmakers currently operates 11 fast food restaurants in Queensland, with the stores a mix of company-owned and franchised stores.
McCann confirmed to SmartCompany he is the receiver and manager for five entities in the Brodies Mealmakers Group, but it is not clear if the franchised stores are also in receivership.
McCann says he is continuing to operate the group on a “business as usual basis”, but declined to specify the annual turnover of the company or the reasons for the collapse.
A spokesperson for Brodies Mealmakers also confirmed to SmartCompany the company is in receivership but declined to comment when asked if all 11 stores in the group are in receivership.
According to the Brodies Mealmakers website, the business was established in the Queensland town of Gympie in 1987.
The restaurants specialise in roast chicken lunches and dinners, offering dine in, takeaway and drive through services.
SmartCompany attempted to contact MacLeod &amp; Partners but did not receive a response prior to publication.
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Queensland fast food chain collapses after 27 years of operation

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First it was the fashion giants Topshop, H&amp;M and Uniqlo. Now it seems Australia is becoming a hot spot for global sports retailers.
Following the news of UK-based Sports Direct’s <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/growth/42841-ozsale-partnership-brings-sports-direct-down-under-four-things-you-didn-t-know" target="_blank">deal with local online shopping club Ozsale.com.au</a>, Switzerland-based Intersport will this week officially launch in Australia.
The global retailer, which has around 5,700 stores across 66 countries including popular footwear chain The Athlete’s Foot in the US, has chosen to enter the market through an existing retailer, with close to 40 stores under the Independent Sports banner to rebrand to Intersport over coming months under a license agreement.
Kevin O’Hanlon, previously chief executive of the Independent Sports group and now chief executive of Intersport Australia, said 32 stores have already been rebranded under the Intersport name, with another five stores to be completed by the first week of September.
The group of 37 stores turns over approximately $130 million each year.
There are another 22 stores in the Independent Spots group and O’Hanlon hopes those stores will convert to Intersport over coming months.
But the transition of the stores is just the first step in Intersport’s plans in Australia, with O’Hanlon saying the group hopes to have 50 stores operating within three years, growing to 100 stores in five years.
O’Hanlon says the Independent Sports group is now the franchisor for Intersport in Australia and he has already received a number of enquiries from other independent sports retailers about joining the group.
Intersport sells sportswear and equipment, including big name brands such as Nike and Adidas, as well as McKinley, Firefly and Energetics.
The private company is owned by 13 master franchisors in Europe and Canada and, according to Fairfax, recorded annual revenue of €10.3 billion ($A14.8 billion) in 2013.
O’Hanlon says brand recognition is “clearly the number one benefit” for the independent stores joining the Intersport group, as well as access to the Intersport global trading terms and its exclusive private label brands.
“It’s well known the sporting goods industry is being challenged and it will continue to be challenged,” he says.
“So trading under a common, global brand gives great solace to these mum-and-dad businesses.”
“It’s also been shown that consumers have a desire to buy from global brands.”
O’Hanlon says sport “is an essential pillar of Australian society”, and that’s attractive to global brands such as Intersport.
“We know that, we live that, we love that as Australians,” he says.
“We intend to offer that passion, the best advice, the best product selection in the world from the best brands, and deliver that on a local level.”
Brian Walker, chief executive of the Retail Doctor Group, said other sports retailers will be watching Intersport’s moves “with keen interest”.
“In terms of sports retailing in our country, the independent specialty, small retailer has really gone, and now it’s the days of the Rebel Sports and Amart,” says Walker.
“It’s good for consumers. It’s a global brand and it will introduce a more competitive flavour to the domestic market.”
This article first appeared on <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/" target="_blank">SmartCompany</a>.
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Global sports retailer Intersport readies for Australian launch

The Victorian Government has secured the passage of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026, introducing a suite of reforms aimed at improving consumer protection and confidence in the apartment market.

Resilience Insurance, Australia’s leading Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) provider, has welcomed the move.

The LDI elements of the Bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Legislative Council where debate and passage are expected later this month. It represents a significant milestone in the national shift toward stronger, longer-term protection for apartment buyers.&nbsp;

The reform would deliver practical benefits across the housing system. Apartment owners will have stronger protection if major defects emerge, developers and builders will have a clearer quality framework to work within, and the State will reduce the risk of serious building failures becoming a long-term financial and social burden for households, communities and government.&nbsp;

LDI helps support apartment delivery while providing stronger protection for buyers and encouraging better construction outcomes.&nbsp;

Resilience LDI provides apartment owners with 10 years of insurance-backed cover for major structural defects from completion, with direct claim access to the insurer. This means owners are not required to first pursue developers or builders through costly legal action before accessing protection.&nbsp;

Resilience Insurance has been operating in Australia since 2022 and has already insured hundreds of development projects covering many thousands of apartments across Australia.&nbsp;

At approximately 1.8 per cent of build cost, it is a cost-competitive alternative to the traditional two per cent Strata Bond, bond while delivering significantly broader and longer protection.&nbsp;

“The Victorian Lower House vote shows that reforms like this succeed when they are practical, evidence-based and supported by industry," says Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

"Victoria is moving quickly on a reform that will make a real difference for apartment buyers, while supporting better building outcomes and greater confidence in apartment delivery.

“This is step one. We look forward to the Bill completing its passage through the Legislative Council and to working with government and industry to implement the framework effectively.”&nbsp;

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI): Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Consumer-first: Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cost advantage: At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Market leader: Resilience Insurance is the first approved LDI provider in NSW.</li>
</ul>

The Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 has passed the Victorian Lower House, putting Victoria on track to become the first state to legislate an industry workable LDI framework as a formal alternative to the Strata Building bond. 

Joel Robinson

10-year Latent Defects Insurance for new apartment buyers set to land in Victoria

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

Eloise Keating

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