Australian hatmaker Akubra has officially opened its first branded store at 162 Edward Street in Brisbane.
The store opening over the weekend featured a live performance by Akubra ambassador and country music singer Lee Kernaghan.
The store will showcase Akubra’s full collection and hat accessories range along with personalised services such as hat steaming and shaping by master hatters.
It adds to the brand’s only other retail store located at its workshop in Kempsey.
The new store comes more than a year after Akubra was acquired by Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s private investment group Tattarang in November 2023. According to Tattarang, more locations are planned to open through 2025.
“We are incredibly proud to open this new store in Queensland, preserving and building upon the legacy of Akubra,” Dr Andrew Forrest AO said.
“Akubra has been ingrained in the fabric of Australian families for generations, and I’m proud that more people will have the opportunity to experience this great Australian-made product.
“What better way to celebrate the outback in Brisbane than with a reunion of the legendary Lee Kernaghan and one of Australia’s most iconic brands, Akubra.”
Nicola Forrest AO said expanding Akubra’s presence across Australia is about investing in the future of Australian craftsmanship.
“We’re helping to ensure the next generation of artisans have the support they need to thrive in regional communities, preserving the craftsmanship that makes Akubra and Australia’s manufacturing sector so special,” she said.
Speaking on the new store, Akubra CEO Natalie Culina said choosing Queensland for the brand’s first-ever store was a natural decision.
“It’s where our community is strongest,” Culina said.
“We’re deeply attuned to our customers, and following the incredible success of the reopening of our Kempsey flagship store, we saw an opportunity to expand our retail presence in a way that brings the true essence of Akubra to life.
“This isn’t just a store – it’s an immersive celebration of Australian heritage, craftsmanship, and the iconic handcrafted hats that have become woven into our national identity.”