Global footwear retailer Ecco is pitching for further growth in both Australia and New Zealand in response to a recent boom in the region over the last fiscal year.
This is according to AU/NZ GM and group senior director Jeff Karger, who noted that cost of living pressures won’t impact this overall.
“However, it will certainly impact decisions around locations as we understand our consumer’s shopping and spend habits better.”
It comes as Ecco’s Asia Pacific region, which includes Australia and New Zealand, recorded a €5 million (A$8.17 million) jump in annual revenue to €145.9 million (A$238.45 million) in the 2023 financial year.
The brand currently operates 33 stores within Australia comprising full price, outlets and shop-in-shops, alongside five stores/outlets in New Zealand which were successfully acquired as of January 1 this year.
Speaking with Ragtrader, Karger said the brand has a further three 'high street' locations identified for the Australian market within the next 24 months.
“As consumer shopping habits have shifted to a more insular and local approach, these locations with a far more favourable capacity cost (largely rent) proposal than a traditional shopping centre, coupled with a local loyal and repeat consumer, make these locations a great commercial addition to our footprint mix alongside aiding in the growth of our brand awareness,” Karger said.
This comes as the brand opened its latest Australian store on High Street in Armadale, Victoria, following recent successes in other high street locations such as in Brighton, Camberwell, as well as Mosman, Sydney.
Karger said it was important that its new Armadale store was selling to a new consumer and was not going to cannibalise any other Melbourne locations.
“Armidale was attractive due to not only current offerings along the same strip but also future plans of development,” Karger said. “Our research showed that it almost served a consumer that was a combination of both whom we service in our Camberwell and Brighton locations.”
The new Armadale store expands on the business’ prime retail concept. Karger said this is normally suited to a large format centre environment, which has been tailored to suit the high street retail space.
“Expansive windows allow natural light to flood the landscape footprint,” he said. “An open layout drawing on minimal Scandinavian design influences offers an inviting and generous circulation space for the consumer to linger and enjoy.
“Large format graphic wall unique to this store overlayed with an illuminated logo creates a focal point behind the sales desk.”