We have heard how retail is under threat in Australia and we have heard the reasons why. Undoubtedly there is not a retailer out there who will disagree that rent and wages are the killers. In this column we will examine how to reduce your rent to help retail survive, unlike manufacturing which has been slowly dying for years. Wages we will leave till next time.
Once considered musty places where down-and-outers riffled through boxes, op shops have defied the doom and gloom in the retail sector and experienced a surge in sales.
James Stewart of Ferrier Hodgson has prepared a graph about the likely growth in internet retailing that will frighten bankers, particularly those who are worried about their jobs.
Woolworths will sell its poorly performing Dick Smith Electronics retail chain to focus on its larger format businesses.
Retailer Specialty Fashion Group says its Christmas 2011 sales were down on 2010 and warns if the retail trading conditions don't change it will cut back its 900-strong store network.
Sydney's newly redeveloped Top Ryde Shopping Centre has been placed in administration.
Cookie Corporation, the Australian Master Franchisee of the Mrs Fields network, has bought the Cookie Man operation from the liquidators of Allied Brands.
The Leasewise Group have now moved into their new Melbourne Head Office in Ascot Vale. The building is dedicated to further growth and expansion to service our core customers, retailers and Franchisors Nationally.
Cookie retailer Mrs Fields has opened its first story to fully incorporate a New Zealand Natural ice cream parlour.
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“I have to say that it is no coincidence that the aggressive growth phase that Degani has enjoyed in recent times has coincided with the development of our working relationship with Angelo Kondos and The Lease Wise Group.”
George Pezaros, Degani - Managing Director


“We have been using the services of Leasewise for several years now to help us grow and maintain our network. Their services are very professional and
we are comfortable with the deals done. But most importantly I have been very impressed with their ability to understand and respect the interest of our franchisee in a deal, especially a renewal. That takes it beyond the numbers.”
- Andrew Benefield, Mrs Fields – Owner


“As a rapidly growing retailer with sites predominately located in major shopping centres, property and leasing is a major part of the operation of our business. Leasewise is a key partner for Matchbox and their skills in site selection, lease negotiation and dispute management have been critical in the successful rollout of our store network for the past three years. The experience and expertise that Leasewise have bought to Matchbox have saved us an enormous amount of time and money in this area and allow us to concentrate on being the best retailers we can.”
-David Cohen, Matchbox - Managing Director
