Omari Gates
Laura Ashley, the iconic British brand known for its feminine aesthetic and floral prints, is making a comeback in Australia. After facing financial difficulties and entering voluntary administration in 2020, the brand was acquired by Gordon Brothers, a global investment firm, which led to its expansion into various countries, including Australia. With a rich heritage of over 70 years, Laura Ashley is renowned for its quality-led designs, unique artwork, and distinctive style. The brand's return to Australia is marked by partnerships with IMG and Basford Brands, reintroducing Laura Ashley's iconic prints and designs to the Australian market through homeware and soft furnishing collections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for leaving Australia | Financial difficulty |
| Date of leaving Australia | 2018 |
| Company that acquired Laura Ashley | Gordon Brothers |
| Date of acquisition | 2020 |
| Laura Ashley's return to Australia | Yes |
| Date of return | 2022 |
| Laura Ashley's return to fashion | Yes |
| Date of fashion return | 2025 |
| Laura Ashley's partnership in Australia | Basford Brands |
Explore related products
$112.62 $123.36
What You'll Learn
Laura Ashley's expansion plans in Australia
Laura Ashley, the iconic British brand known for its feminine aesthetic and floral prints, is making a comeback in Australia as part of its global expansion plans. After facing financial difficulties and entering voluntary administration in 2020, the brand was acquired by US-based investment firm Gordon Brothers, who are now leading the charge to reintroduce Laura Ashley to the Australian market.
The expansion into Australia is part of a multi-year partnership between Gordon Brothers and IMG, aiming to bring Laura Ashley's footwear, clothing, homewares, and hospitality offerings to local consumers. This includes partnerships with local businesses and retailers to expand the brand's presence across Australia. One notable partnership is with Basford Brands, a company with which Laura Ashley is launching a range of soft furnishings, including exclusive signature prints on cushions, throws, curtains, and made-to-measure fabric designs. This partnership is a strategic move to "reintroduce the Laura Ashley brand back to Australia with a brand-new collection developed especially for this market," according to Carolyn D'Angelo, senior managing director at Gordon Brothers Brands and president of Laura Ashley Global.
The expansion into Australia is part of a broader global strategy by Gordon Brothers to leverage the rich heritage of the Laura Ashley brand, which has been a beloved fixture in fashion and lifestyle for almost 70 years. By partnering with IMG, Laura Ashley aims to tap into new markets and expand its global reach, including Australia, New Zealand, China, the Middle East, and India. This international expansion is a significant step for the brand, building on its strong emotional connection with consumers and its enduring appeal.
In addition to its expansion plans in Australia and other international markets, Laura Ashley has also been focusing on expanding its online sales and hospitality ventures. The brand has recognised the evolving e-commerce landscape and the importance of having a strong online presence. By partnering with retailers like Next, Laura Ashley has been able to adopt a hybrid offline and online operation, increasing its accessibility to customers worldwide. This strategic approach to sales and distribution has been a key component of Laura Ashley's resurgence and expansion plans.
With a new lease of life, Laura Ashley is poised to recapture the hearts of Australian consumers and reinforce its iconic status in the competitive fashion and lifestyle market. Through strategic partnerships, a focus on heritage, and a blend of vintage and modern designs, Laura Ashley's expansion in Australia promises to be a successful chapter in the brand's long and storied history.
Echidnas' Diet: What Do They Eat in Australia?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Gordon Brothers' acquisition of Laura Ashley
Laura Ashley is indeed returning to Australia, as part of a multi-year partnership with IMG. This return follows the acquisition of the company by Gordon Brothers, a global advisory and investment firm.
Gordon Brothers acquired the Laura Ashley brand, archives, and intellectual property rights in April 2020, after the company filed for voluntary administration in March 2020, citing the pandemic as the primary reason. The acquisition included trademarks, logos, designs, and customer assets.
Under Gordon Brothers' leadership, Laura Ashley expanded globally, re-entering the markets in Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and China, while also growing in Europe. The brand celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022 and relaunched fashion in the UK. During this period, Laura Ashley's global retail sales exceeded $750 million, and the brand expanded to over 80 countries across six continents.
Gordon Brothers' strategy for Laura Ashley involved transitioning the company to an asset-light, flexible, and scalable licensing business model. This approach allowed the brand to rebuild a robust e-commerce presence and develop strategic sourcing and wholesale and retail relationships. The success of this strategy is evident in the financial growth of the company and its expansion into new markets.
In January 2025, Gordon Brothers announced that it had sold the Laura Ashley brand, archives, and related intellectual property to Marquee Brands, a global brand accelerator. Tobias Nanda, Head of Brands at Gordon Brothers, expressed pride in the huge success and global expansion of Laura Ashley under their leadership.
Understanding Your Credit Rating in Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Laura Ashley's return to fashion
Laura Ashley, the iconic British brand known for its feminine aesthetic and floral prints, is making a comeback in Australia. After facing financial difficulties and entering voluntary administration in 2020, the brand was acquired by US investment firm Gordon Brothers, which bought the company's intellectual property, including logos, trademarks, and designs. Now, Laura Ashley is expanding globally, including a return to the Australian market.
The brand's rich heritage and unique designs have cultivated a strong emotional connection with consumers worldwide. With over 70 years of history, Laura Ashley has become synonymous with quality-led designs, prints, and patterns that have inspired fashion trends. The company's extensive archive, comprising more than 98,000 pieces of artwork, textiles, and footage, serves as a valuable resource for developing new fashion and lifestyle products while maintaining the vintage Laura Ashley feel.
In 2023, Laura Ashley partnered with Basford Brands to reintroduce the brand to Australia, focusing on soft furnishings and homeware. This partnership brings exclusive signature prints on cushions, throws, curtains, and made-to-measure fabric designs to Australian retailers. The collection merges modern design with the British charm that Laura Ashley is known for.
The return of Laura Ashley to Australia is part of a broader expansion strategy. The brand is also expanding into New Zealand, China, the Middle East, India, and Europe. Through partnerships with IMG and retailers like Next, Laura Ashley aims to reach a wider audience and offer a hybrid offline and online shopping experience.
The brand's relaunch in Australia and other markets demonstrates its enduring appeal and resilience in the face of challenges. By leveraging its heritage and adapting to the changing landscape of e-commerce and consumer trends, Laura Ashley is well-positioned to reconnect with loyal customers and attract new fans.
Pistachio Trees: Where Do They Grow in Australia?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Laura Ashley's partnership with IMG
Laura Ashley, the British heritage brand, has returned to Australia after filing for voluntary administration in March 2020, citing the pandemic as the main reason. The brand has since expanded into various countries as part of a multi-year partnership with IMG, a US marketing and brand licensing company.
IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events, and media. The company manages some of the world's top athletes and fashion icons, and it owns and operates numerous live events each year. Additionally, IMG is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. The company also specializes in licensing, sports training, and league development.
The multi-year partnership between Laura Ashley and IMG will focus on expanding the brand's distinct aesthetic globally and developing current brand partnerships. The collaboration will result in new Laura Ashley apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, homeware, and hospitality offerings through carefully selected licensing and retail partnerships.
Tobias Nanda, President of Brands at Gordon Brothers, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with IMG, stating that they would focus on selecting additional strategic partnerships and collaborations to bring the brand to consumers worldwide.
The partnership between Laura Ashley and IMG aims to leverage the brand's rich heritage and extensive archive of unique artwork, textiles, and footage. By drawing on Laura Ashley's iconic designs, prints, and patterns, IMG hopes to develop relevant new fashion and lifestyle products that appeal to existing and new fans of the brand.
Bugs in Australia: A Common Sight?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Laura Ashley's partnership with Basford Brands
Laura Ashley is indeed making a comeback in Australia after filing for voluntary administration in March 2020, citing the pandemic as the main reason. The brand is now returning to Australia as part of a multi-year partnership with IMG. Gordon Brothers, a global advisory and investment firm, acquired Laura Ashley, including its intellectual property, such as logos, trademarks, and customer assets.
In 2022, Laura Ashley partnered with IMG to reestablish its presence in several countries, including Australia, China, India, Europe, New Zealand, and the Middle East. As part of this expansion, Laura Ashley partnered with various companies, including Mamas & Papas, Baggu, Graham & Brown, and Ashley Wilde.
One of the key partnerships in Laura Ashley's return to Australia is its collaboration with Basford Brands. This partnership focuses on soft furnishings in Australia and New Zealand. Pip Collins, the Australia/New Zealand sales manager of Basford Brands, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating that the two teams have developed a new range of in-demand soft-furnishing products that merge modern design with the British charm of the historic Laura Ashley brand.
The partnership with Basford Brands is part of Laura Ashley's strategy to expand its global portfolio and reintroduce the brand to the Australian market. Tim Smith, Senior Vice President of Licensing at IMG, emphasized the importance of this partnership in expanding Laura Ashley's presence in valued markets like Australia and New Zealand. This collaboration showcases Laura Ashley's commitment to innovation while staying true to its iconic designs and patterns that have inspired fashion trends worldwide.
Through its partnership with Basford Brands and other strategic collaborations, Laura Ashley aims to reconnect with Australian customers and offer a range of products that blend modern trends with the brand's distinctive style. This marks a new chapter in the brand's history, showcasing its resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing retail landscape.
VRLA Tech: Shipping to Australia?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Laura Ashley is coming back to Australia. In 2023, Laura Ashley partnered with Basford Brands for soft furnishings in Australia and New Zealand.
Laura Ashley Australia went into voluntary administration in 2016 and managed to stay afloat for two years. However, in 2018, the company ceased operations in Australia after failing to find a buyer.
Laura Ashley entered the Australian market through a licensing operation in 1971, opening department store concessions in Australia, Canada, and Japan.
After facing financial difficulties and entering administration in 2020, Laura Ashley was acquired by the investment firm Gordon Brothers. The brand has since expanded globally, partnering with IMG to re-establish its presence in various countries, including Australia.
