Australian plus-size retailer expands into the UK
Taking Shape, the Australian plus-size fashion retailer, is expanding into the UK this autumn by opening up to 30 high street stores by early next year.
The company, which caters for women sized 14 to 26, has already launched shops in Solihull, Worcester, Leamington Spa, Taunton, Southport, Worcester, Leicester and Newbury in the last few weeks with further openings due to be announced soon.
Taking Shape managing director Alla Buinowicz told This is Money: “Whilst technically, our market place is anyone size 14 and above, in reality our Taking Shape clothing sizes are the new average with the majority of women in the UK now plus-size.”
She continued: “The UK has a similar culture and work ethic to Australia but in the UK there is not much choice and retailers are not connecting with the customers.
Never Miss a Retail Update!“We are focusing on market towns rather than shopping centres where there is a natural footfall. We want to engage with local communities, so we have events like girls’ nights out with drinks and nibbles and a fashion parade.
“The UK has been calling out for someone to offer our service and now here we are. To have a network across the UK we decided we would have to do it quickly. We will be opening 16 more stores by the end of November.”
Founded 28 years ago, Taking Shape operates 130 stores across Australia and New Zealand.
