Strandbags is an Australian and New Zealand retailer of handbags, wallets, luggage, backpacks and other personal accessories.[1]
 Strandbags store in Westfield Carousel | |
| Industry | Retail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1927 |
| Headquarters | , |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand |
| Products | Handbags, personal accessories |
| Owner | Michael Lewis |
| Parent | Strandbags Group |
| Website | strandbags strandbags |
The chain has over 234 stores around Australia.[2]
It also has 26 stores in New Zealand,[3] including 10 in Auckland.[4]
History edit
In September 2019, Strandbags opened a new larger concept flagship store at Melbourne's Chadstone Shopping Centre, as part of a strategy to expand the size of major stores.[5] It was one of a number of new stores to open in the mall.[6]
In October 2019, Strandbags owner Michael Lewis invested $8 million in direct-to-consumer luggage brand July.[7]
During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, stores closed for at least six weeks.[8]
In August 2020, Scentre Group locked out some Strandbags stores over a rental dispute.[9] The decision affected stores at Westfield centres in Australia.[10] The dispute was resolved and the stores were allowed to reopen.[11]
In May 2021, the New Zealand Commerce Commission laid charges against Strandbags under the Fair Trading Act 1986, accusing it of misleading consumers about discounts.[1] The Commission accused the company of marketing discounts against a regular price that had never been used.[3] Consumer NZ alleged similar tactics were also used by other retailers;[12] the Commission warned other retailers against doing so.[13]
In October 2021, Strandbags relaunched its website following a four-month redevelopment process.[14] It followed the appointment of new Chief of Technology and Head of Online the previous year.[15]
References edit
- ^ a b Foxcroft, Debrin (27 May 2021). "Strandbags charged over discounting practices". Stuff. Stuff.
- ^ "Strandbags". strandbags.com.au. Strandbags Group.
- ^ a b "Strandbags charged over discounting practices". New Zealand Commerce Commission. New Zealand Government. 27 May 2021.
- ^ "Strandbags". strandbags.co.nz. Strandbags Group.
- ^ Blake, Dean (9 September 2019). "Strandbags unveils new store concept at Chadstone". Inside Retail. Octomedia.
- ^ "The new stores coming to Chadstone". Herald Sun. News Corp Australia. 4 September 2019.
- ^ McIlvaine, Heather (15 October 2019). "Strandbags owner invests $8 million in luggage startup". Inside Retail. Octomedia.
- ^ Jurd, Bradley (9 May 2020). "Bathurst Strandbags re-opens its doors after six-week closure". Western Advocate. Australian Community Media.
- ^ Khadem, Nassim (21 August 2020). "Westfield locks retailers out of stores as national retail sales rise 3.3 per cent". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
- ^ Andaloro, Sarina (20 August 2020). "Why more than 100 Australian fashion stores have closed indefinitely". Seven News. Seven West Media.
- ^ "Vicinity slaps Myer with lawsuit over unpaid rent at Melbourne flagship store". The Australian. News Corp Australia. 10 November 2021.
- ^ "Strandbags charged over discount claims". Consumer NZ. 28 May 2021.
- ^ Bhattarai, Rahul (17 November 2021). "Commerce Commission reminds retailers of fair sale practices as Black Friday and Christmas near". New Zealand Herald. New Zealand Media and Entertainment.
- ^ Crozier, Ry. "Strandbags re-platforms e-commerce under 'Project Future'". IT News. Next Media.
- ^ Bennett, Tess. "Strandbags bolsters technology team with two new senior hires". IT News. Next Media.