Latest news with #RMWilliams
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CEO defends $649 cost of iconic boot as Aussie brands pushed to collapse: 'Out of the battler's price range'
Iconic boot maker RM Williams has defended the significant price tag attached to the handcrafted footwear as some Australians argue they are now out of reach for the average "battler". The recognisable Aussie brand has an asking price of $649 and now competes with fast fashion juggernauts like Shein and Temu — the likes of which have been blamed in part for the collapse of major local retailers. One shopper said a chestnut pair of the Comfort Craftsmen boots - popular choice from farmers to CBD workers - were "just not purchasable", despite being knocked down to $520 on sale. But RM Williams CEO Paul Grosmann told Yahoo Finance the quality craftsmanship would save buyers in the long run. 'Fast fashion may be cheaper upfront, but it's built to be disposable," Grosmann said. RELATED Photos in shuttered Ally store reveals grim voluntary administration reality Little-known Centrelink perk offers Australian students free flights Workplace warning as Aussie fired for using wrong pronouns 'Our boots are made the old-fashioned way: handcrafted and built to last a lifetime. Ultimately, that's better for the planet and your wallet.' What is the true value of $699 boot Opinions have been mixed about the value attached to boots like RMs. Some agreed they were "out of the Aussie battler's price range". "I know they're quality and worth it, but I just can't afford them at the moment," added another. "That's just unAustralian," wrote a third about the price. The Comfort Craftsman would set you back $699 if you bought them from the RM Williams site. A pair of Signature Craftsman boots were $1, with every claim the boots had become too expensive, there was an equal amount defending them. Australian shoe repairer Troy Inkster said he's seen a lot of shoes over the years and said the ones that are built properly are the ones that last. "You buy an average shoe or sneaker for $150 plus, get one to two years out of them," he said. "Or buy something that will last 10 years plus. The problem is not many invest in their feet and are happy to invest in a false economy." "Had mine for 20 years. Just gave them a polish as I do regularly. Wear them everyday to work. Had three new soles and still going strong. Worth every cent," added another. "When you break it down over how many years and how many times you'll wear them, its worth it. Its just the upfront cost that is a huge turn off," wrote a third. Aussies fight against fast fashion Many retailers across the country are fighting against Shein and Temu's meteoric rise. The two Chinese online marketplaces have already been partly blamed for the downfall of several big names in Australia, like Oroton, and Noni B's parent Mosaic Brands, while others have expressed concern over the local retail market if current trends continue. Roy Morgan research showed Temu held almost one-fifth of the Aussie retail sector, with 3.8 million people making at least one purchase in a year. Independent consultant Kroll, which was brought in to assess a deal from Myer to acquire Premier's Apparel Brands (Just Jeans, Jacqui E, Dotti and Portmans, and Jay Jays), said it was a tough time for the retail industry. It pointed to how Shein and Temu have gained market share by "heavy discounting and aggressive social media marketing spend", which Aussie brands just can't keep up with. Australian Made helps people know whether a product has been produced locally through its iconic certification system. Its chief executive, Ben Lazzaro, told Yahoo Finance that it pays to buy local. "Australian-made products are not only made to some of the world's highest manufacturing and safety standards, they also have significant social, environmental, and ethical benefits, making them the preferred choice for many Australians," he said. Quality vs cost: Australians feel cost-of-living pinch Grosmann told Yahoo Finance that RM Williams resoles up to 30,000 boots annually. He said this not only cuts down on waste, but proved how you only need small tweaks on these boots rather than getting a total replacement. 'In our Adelaide workshop, we handcraft every pair of RM Williams boots by hand using premium materials. This is slow, deliberate work compared to automated factories producing billions of pairs a year," Grosmann said. 'We make every RM Williams boot so it can be remade. We stitch our soles by hand, allowing replacement in 10, 20, or even 30 years, extending the life of the boot by decades." 'This isn't the fastest way to make footwear but making something properly takes time." The cost-of-living crisis has caused some people to pick from Shein and Temu over local Aussie brands. However, the 2023 Good On You sustainability report found clothing from Shein ranked among the least durable of any major fashion retailer tested. Some might prefer to buy a pair of $100 boots made in China that might break down over 12 months as it's a much smaller upfront cost. But Roy Morgan found 73 per cent of Aussies are willing to buy more locally-made goods to reduce reliance on overseas supply chains. Nearly three-quarters (72 per cent) said they would be willing to pay more for Australian-made products, and 67 per cent indicated that they intend to increase their purchases of locally made products over the next 12 months.
Sydney Morning Herald
25-06-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
The clothes Australian men should buy for themselves
Very occasionally, a menswear label comes along that blows your socks and sandals off, giving hope that Australian men might finally step their style game up beyond blue suits, bone chinos, polo shirts and RM Williams boots. Last month designer Ryan Morrow launched a capsule collection for his label Morrow. The concise range includes an inventive take on cargo pants in Japanese canvas, cotton voile shirts in boxy, blokey silhouettes and water-repellant jackets that offer a streamlined aesthetic update to Driza-Bone's classic waxed jackets. Morrow's outlook is exquisite in its simplicity, but its outback-meets-the-city refinement won't make selling it to Australian men any easier. 'With menswear we are behind our female customers and their approach to designer fashion,' says Brittany Kipniak, senior menswear buyer for online retailer The Iconic. 'Menswear is still very much driven by the female customer. We are a data-led business, and it's still her buying for him. Perhaps he is jumping onto her account sometimes to buy things.' Kipniak sees progress, with a smaller group of young men embracing trend-driven urban wear through social media, but the core menswear customer is interested in comfort that looks conservative. 'Men are increasingly starting to adopt those more global trends and contemporary looks a bit more quickly than they have in the past. That classic guy is evolving and adding an extra layer. Homegrown local brands, like RM Williams and Rodd & Gunn remain the crowd favourite.' It's a similar story at department store David Jones where Chris Wilson, executive general manager of menswear, has witnessed slow evolution in the past six years. 'There's still an element of keeping it classic, but the male customer is definitely moving on from a trend point of view,' says Wilson. 'It's still slow but it's steady.'
The Age
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
The clothes Australian men should buy for themselves
Very occasionally, a menswear label comes along that blows your socks and sandals off, giving hope that Australian men might finally step their style game up beyond blue suits, bone chinos, polo shirts and RM Williams boots. Last month designer Ryan Morrow launched a capsule collection for his label Morrow. The concise range includes an inventive take on cargo pants in Japanese canvas, cotton voile shirts in boxy, blokey silhouettes and water-repellant jackets that offer a streamlined aesthetic update to Driza-Bone's classic waxed jackets. Morrow's outlook is exquisite in its simplicity, but its outback-meets-the-city refinement won't make selling it to Australian men any easier. 'With menswear we are behind our female customers and their approach to designer fashion,' says Brittany Kipniak, senior menswear buyer for online retailer The Iconic. 'Menswear is still very much driven by the female customer. We are a data-led business, and it's still her buying for him. Perhaps he is jumping onto her account sometimes to buy things.' Kipniak sees progress, with a smaller group of young men embracing trend-driven urban wear through social media, but the core menswear customer is interested in comfort that looks conservative. 'Men are increasingly starting to adopt those more global trends and contemporary looks a bit more quickly than they have in the past. That classic guy is evolving and adding an extra layer. Homegrown local brands, like RM Williams and Rodd & Gunn remain the crowd favourite.' It's a similar story at department store David Jones where Chris Wilson, executive general manager of menswear, has witnessed slow evolution in the past six years. 'There's still an element of keeping it classic, but the male customer is definitely moving on from a trend point of view,' says Wilson. 'It's still slow but it's steady.'
ABC News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Heidi Sheehan
Chris Gimblett, who gained fame for barring emus from entering Queensland's Yaraka Hotel, is being mourned after a crash that also left his wife critically injured. 4h ago 4 hours ago Fri 13 Jun 2025 at 4:36am After securing a record-setting 54 wins out of 159 starts, outback racehorse Fab's Cowboy will see out his retirement alongside Melbourne Cup winners, leaving big hole in the lives of his trainers and owners. Sun 28 Jul Sun 28 Jul Sun 28 Jul 2024 at 10:34pm A group of North Queensland locals braved driving rains and rising floodwaters to rescue 17 people trapped in trees and from the rooftop of a pub. Mon 18 Dec Mon 18 Dec Mon 18 Dec 2023 at 11:47pm Australian Defence Force personnel are travelling to Longreach to assess the object, found on a property once owned by late Queensland MP Vaughan Johnson. Thu 10 Aug Thu 10 Aug Thu 10 Aug 2023 at 7:22am An endurance ride that attracted the likes of cattleman RM Williams during the 1980s is back. While some things have changed, the Winton to Longreach Endurance Ride is still a show of strength, grit, and horsemanship. Sun 30 Jul Sun 30 Jul Sun 30 Jul 2023 at 10:32pm Almost 6,000 people didn't just break the world record, they blew it away in a colourful, spirited, boot-scooting celebration of the late queen of rock and 50 years of Nutbush City Limits. Thu 6 Jul Thu 6 Jul Thu 6 Jul 2023 at 4:53am Festival-goers stuck in outback Queensland towns start to make their way to the festival after heavy rain caused road closures. Wed 5 Jul Wed 5 Jul Wed 5 Jul 2023 at 3:12am Big Red Bash organisers say the journey to one of the world's most remote music festivals is all part of the experience, but many travellers got more than they bargained for on the way to this year's event. Tue 4 Jul Tue 4 Jul Tue 4 Jul 2023 at 3:51am "Very motivated" crooks with the tools and skill to steal a catalytic converter in a few minutes are continuing to target car yards, parking lots and service stations in Queensland, police say. Thu 27 Apr Thu 27 Apr Thu 27 Apr 2023 at 12:00am Australians have marked Anzac Day across the country, with dawn services and parades also held in Papua New Guinea and Gallipoli to honour those who served. Tue 25 Apr Tue 25 Apr Tue 25 Apr 2023 at 11:03pm The price of rent in two of Queensland's most sought-after holiday spots has become so high that essential workers are being forced to find multiple jobs to keep a roof over their heads. Sat 15 Apr Sat 15 Apr Sat 15 Apr 2023 at 11:34am Brett and Belinda Beasley have been fighting to end knife crime since their 17-year-old son, Jack, was stabbed to death in 2019. This week legislation to expand police power is being debated in Queensland. Wed 29 Mar Wed 29 Mar Wed 29 Mar 2023 at 2:21am Wayne Grimley grew up spending a lot of time in the sun, without sun safety measures. Now he's had surgery to remove a skin cancer from his eyelid. Tue 28 Mar Tue 28 Mar Tue 28 Mar 2023 at 9:33pm Gold Coast City Council has resolved to remove a $2.1 million art installation along the M1 south of Brisbane, after years of controversies over the sculptures. Tue 28 Mar Tue 28 Mar Tue 28 Mar 2023 at 4:41am Multiple fat suits, wigs and prosthetic pieces were part of the drastic physical transformations of Austin Butler and Tom Hanks in the movie Elvis, according to Australian Oscar nominee Jason Baird. Mon 13 Mar Mon 13 Mar Mon 13 Mar 2023 at 1:45am Unit prices on the Gold Coast have risen by 3.95 per cent over the past quarter, while house prices have risen by 0.36 per cent. Wed 1 Mar Wed 1 Mar Wed 1 Mar 2023 at 12:21am Shoeys, Horses and feather boas. Harry Styles has been rocking capital cities on his Australian tour but his only Queensland gig will be a record-setting win for the glitter strip. Fri 24 Feb Fri 24 Feb Fri 24 Feb 2023 at 8:19pm Housing and community recovery representatives from the Queensland state government have visited residents at Couran Cove after essential services were suspended earlier this week Fri 17 Feb Fri 17 Feb Fri 17 Feb 2023 at 8:43am The store owner claims her shop is targeted multiple times a week by teenagers, as a 15-year-old girl faces theft and common assault charges over an incident that that left a staff member with facial injuries. Thu 16 Feb Thu 16 Feb Thu 16 Feb 2023 at 8:02am The Tweed Heads teen is one of Australia's most promising young skaters and she has her heart set on competing at the Paris Olympics. Mon 13 Feb Mon 13 Feb Mon 13 Feb 2023 at 10:30pm High ranking Comanchero Motorcycle Club figure Allan Meehan is remanded in custody after allegedly failing to provide relevant authorities with his address. Thu 9 Feb Thu 9 Feb Thu 9 Feb 2023 at 7:27am Baz Luhrmann's feature film, Elvis, was the first major Hollywood film to be produced from start to finish on the Gold Coast, with the Academy Award nominee liking the location so much he relocated his production company there. Thu 9 Feb Thu 9 Feb Thu 9 Feb 2023 at 6:59am Aerial vision just off a popular Gold Coast beach after a handful of evacuations confirms that sharks have been cruising in the shallows. We asked a biologist what it all means. Mon 30 Jan Mon 30 Jan Mon 30 Jan 2023 at 2:22am More than 100 people meet at a park near the 61-year-old's home in Elanora on Sunday evening to pay tribute to the local woman who was found dead in a car in Brisbane last Thursday. Sun 29 Jan Sun 29 Jan Sun 29 Jan 2023 at 1:32pm Gold Coast Airport is adding two new international routes to its roster in the coming months as packed arrivals halls show visitor numbers remain strong. Mon 23 Jan Mon 23 Jan Mon 23 Jan 2023 at 7:45pm
ABC News
17-05-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Push to bring clothes manufacturing back to Australia ramps up due to trade war
During Australian Fashion Week last week, models walked the runway clothed by home-grown designers, but while the designs were local, the outfits themselves were made overseas. As the industry's luminaries gathered to celebrate, the escalating trade war between the United States and China cast a long shadow. Determined to future-proof the industry from rising costs and tariff uncertainty, the Australian Fashion Council is embarking on a bold plan to bring the textile industry home. While welcomed by wool and cotton farmers, there are concerns the economic reality of the supply chain may scupper any home-made dreams. In the 1950s, Australia's 'rag trade' was booming. Surry Hills in Sydney and Flinders Lane in Melbourne were bursting with garment manufacturing factories and workshops. But as worker shortages and rising electricity costs combined with cheaper labour overseas, much of it moved offshore. The fashion council, which represents the industry, now estimates 97 per cent of Australia's $28 billion of fashion is produced overseas. "Our sector is at a critical tipping point," chief executive Jaana Quaintance-James said. "We've identified an urgent need for a national manufacturing strategy — one that safeguards jobs, restores technical capability, and strengthens our global competitiveness." Partnering with RM Williams, which has been manufacturing clothing and shoes in Adelaide since 1932, the council will hold six industry consultation sessions, with the full detail of the strategy to be delivered in late 2025. Ms Quaintance-James said the plan would also help job creation. "You're supporting the payment of local taxes, and a broader kind of economic and social development in Australia," she said. Rising trade tension over tariffs between the United States and China has contributed to the sense of urgency. Ms Quaintance-James said while China was the engine room of global textile production, the US was a growing market for Australian fashion houses. With most of the cotton and wool produced in Australia being processed in China, Australia's fashion industry has become collateral as a key customer goes to war with the industry's main supplier. Ms Quaintance-James said news of a 90-day pause of the escalation between the two nations had come as a relief, but it highlighted the vulnerability at the core of the supply chain. Along with less exposure to global volatility, she said a return to domestic manufacturing offered other practical advantages, such as supply chain transparency and shorter lead times in textile production. To make clothes you need fabric, which can either be synthetic or natural. Most synthetic fibres such as polyester or nylon are made from petrochemicals, and it is estimated 70 per cent of the global supply is manufactured in China. Natural fibres can be sourced from plants, such as cotton, or animals, such as sheep. The raw product needs to be processed, which includes cleaning, spinning and weaving, and like garment manufacturing, it is almost all done offshore. Australia is a leading producer of cotton and wool, though both industries have struggled in recent years; the cotton industry faced a trade ban from China in 2020 while Australian wool production this year fell to a 100-year low. Adam Kay, chief executive of grower group Cotton Australia, said the last local cotton spinning mills moved offshore 20 years ago, under pressure from rising labour costs. He said that issue had largely been overcome through automation, but now the high cost of electricity would be a barrier to re-establishing the industry. Mr Kay said the cotton industry already worked with more than 50 fashion brands across the country to supply Australian-grown cotton. "Having a spinning mill locally and doing that next stage of processing, and maybe going all the way through to garment manufacturer, it really is a more circular economy," he said. "It could really reduce the carbon miles that the products have." As Australian wool producers stare down historically low production, seeing wool take centre stage at the Met gala in New York earlier this month was heartening. Considered fashion's biggest night of the year, the annual fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City invites A-List celebrities to dress in a theme — this year it was "tailored to you". Australian Wool Innovation's global marketing projects manager Catherine Veltman said several major brands chose to showcase wool outfits this year, which would lift the fibre's profile. Attracting 15 million views to its live-stream and countless commentaries, Ms Veltman hoped the exposure would encourage mainstream brands and ultimately consumers to consider wool. If Australia is to turn back the clock textile manufacturing, Ms Quaintance-James said the national strategy would require a co-ordinated effort from government and the private sector. "Tariffs are just the latest example. In COVID, we were unable to produce our own healthcare uniforms," she said. "And we're in exactly the same situation. We have not evolved from that. "So when are we going to learn this lesson?"
