The Issue: A Cotton On Group Publication | Page 4

– NE W S F R O M U S – COTTON ON K ID S T URNS t en A decade ago, Knox Shopping Centre in Melbourne, Australia became home to a new destination for fashion loving children (and their parents) with the opening of the first Cotton On KIDS store – the Cotton On Group’s foray into the world of childrenswear. It was only months earlier that the concept for the brand had been born. Team members within the Group, including its founder Nigel Austin, were struggling to find fun, quality and affordable kids’ fashion that reflected the personality and needs of their own children. It was a problem shared amongst their friends and family too and very quickly a gap in the market became clear. True to its philosophy of seizing new opportunities, the team got to work, developing a range of childrenswear that followed the same principles of its successful older sibling, Cotton On. With trend, value and the lifestyles of ‘real kids’ driving the brand’s innovation, Cotton On KIDS was born. And since those first doors swung open in Knox 10 years ago, KIDS has carved its place in the global marketplace as a brand revolutionising kids’ clothing. With its range of bold, colourful and quirky designs – all delivered at a value price point – the brand has successfully redefined the childrenswear category. Taking pride in its ability to surprise and delight children and parents alike, KIDS’ fresh and fun approach perfectly reflects the personality of its littlest customers, letting kids be kids. Cotton On KIDS General Manager, Natalie McLean, has been at the helm of the brand for the last three years and instrumental in its continued growth and expansion. “I’ve loved seeing our brand evolve into what it is today – a leading global retailer in 15 countries around the world. It’s testament to the hard work and passion of our team, who continually push the boundaries of the kidswear space to make sure what we offer is true to our brand and to our customers,” McLean says. With the solid foundations forged in the early days, the brand has grown to become a trusted, goto destination for kids clothing both in Australia and abroad. In 2007, following significant growth domestically, KIDS opened its first international store at Queensgate in Wellington, New Zealand. Singapore soon followed in 2009, with the USA shortly after in 2012. The brand’s growth hasn’t been limited to store footprint e