Home-grown apparel business Swimwear Galore has this month launched its sixth store in Australia.
The 600sqm Malvern-based shop, tipped to be one of the biggest swimwear specialty stores in the southern hemisphere, has more than 70 brands which include women’s plus sizes, cup sizes up to a G, maternity and mastectomy swimwear and a wide range of chlorine resistant styles for pool lovers.
Architects have created an easy to navigate store with more than 30 changing rooms, polished timber flooring and chrome wall fixtures.
The backlit changing room mirrors cast an even light and new handy 'yes', 'no' or 'maybe' hooks to help customers in that all important choice.
Founded 30 years ago by Jan Ingersole, who started with a small rack of swimwear sold from a family owned fabric shop in Carlton, Victoria, the brand has gone from strength to strength.
The business is still family owned and has multiplied into six stores as well as a successful online boutique that that sells swimwear nationally and internationally.
Today the company is run by Jan’s three children, Andrew, Kelly and Caz.
“Over the years we have learnt and grown with the women of Australia and from that knowledge we believe that it’s not all about having the latest seasons style or print, although we still get excited each season, but it's more about how you feel when you wear it,” Caz said.
“It is also important to us that our staff understand how to help customers shop for their shape as lets face it, not many of us look forward to trying on a swimsuit.”
In order to keep up with the latest trends and to bring in specialty brands from overseas, Swimwear Galore buyers regularly attend trade shows in Europe and America.
Stockists include leading Australian brands such as Seafolly, Jets, Baku, Sunseeker, Isola, Speedo, Tigerlily, Ginja and Funky Trunks.
Swimwear Galore also stocks swimming apparel for men and children and sells a range of accessories such as cover-ups, hats and beach bags.