Country Road (CTY)

Shares / Stock Code

CTY

Stock Exchange / Sharemarket

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Country Road (CTY) is in the business of designing and retailing of apparel, homewares and related accessories. CTY is engaged in the sale of exclusive Country Road branded products in Australia and abroad and it is operating in excess of 60 retail outlets, and 80 concession outlets across Australia and New Zealand. The Company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange on 2 July, 1987 and it is headquartered in Victoria, Australia. The Company employs more than 2000 personnel across Australia and New Zealand. During fiscal 2008, CTY opened five stores in Highpoint, Victoria; Hornsby, New South Wales; Burwood, New South Wales; Kotara, New South Wales; and Albany, New Zealand. CTY’s other activities included the expansion and refurbishment of its Northland, Victoria; Norwood, South Australia; Carindale, Queensland; and Newmarket, New Zealand stores. In its concession outlets, Country Road introduced 22 outfit concepts in David Jones and 10 within Myer. The Company continued to open outlets within both department stores as it gained opportunities. The Company is committed to high quality and value. It sources the world’s finest raw materials, fabrics, woollen yarns, and crisp Italian cottons. Through a combination of the top design trends with its signature fine tailoring and attention to detail, the Company aims to create simply stylish products reflecting an authentically Australian way of life. The Company has a strong presence in the Australian retail and fashion industry.

Country Road History

Country Road was established in 1974 by Stephen Bennett as a niche women's shirting business. During 1980s and 1990s the Company opened a number of stores in Australia, expanded its wholesale business and entered into the US and Asian markets. The Company introduced its innovative Country Road superstore concept, offering Australians with all four key product areas - womenswear, menswear, accessories, and homewares - in one integrated lifestyle destination. The Company was purchased by Myer Emporium Ltd in 1981. In 1984 the Company diversified into Menswear and started exporting outside Australia. Country Road floated on the Australian Stock Exchange in July 1987. In 1990s the Company’s US business failed. In 1998 Woolworths Holdings, a South African retailing business, secured an 87.85% controlling interest in the Company, which helped CTY to re-build its business. In 2000/2001 CTY entered into the eyewear and childrenswear business. In 2003, the Company closed its US operation to focus on the Australian market.