COTTON ON GROUP
One of Australia ’ s largest retailers , Cotton On Group , is making waves in the African fashion industry with its lean , ethical supply chain
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I n 1988 , 18-year-old Nigel Austin sold his first acid washed denim jacket in Geelong , Australia . It would be this sale that would sow the seed for fashion powerhouse Cotton On Group which , within 25 short years , has grown to become Australia ’ s largest global value fashion retailer , with seven brands , over 1,400 stores , and a footprint spanning 17 countries .
From Australia to the UAE , Brazil to Singapore , Cotton On Group has mushroomed in size over this short timeline , but one continent has clearly been pivotal to its success – Africa . Home to seven of the fastest growing countries in the world , Africa has quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry . Recognising this , Cotton On Group has kept a keen eye on the fastemerging scene , opening almost 170 stores in South Africa , six in Namibia , with additional sites in the pipeline .
With over 15 years in the supply chain field , Phil Marais , Head of Africa and Brazil Supply Chain at Cotton On Group , has been the ideal candidate to make this vision a reality . He points out how Cotton On Group has hired people with boots on the ground so that the retailer can gain a true understanding of these regional markets and their supply chain ecosystems .
“ For our regional markets , like South Africa , for example , the value of our assets and individuals is critical ,” he explains . “ It helps provide context to our team members so that we can execute the supply chain in that market , whether it ’ s in South Africa or Sao Paolo , to the best of our ability with that local knowledge . Aligning with the group framework whilst adding that local twist is really important . Emerging markets like Africa and Brazil present huge growth opportunities for the group .”
NOVEMBER 2018