The fashion retailer that abruptly closed all of its stores and online operation is set to make a comeback with a new look and new locations under new ownership.
Brand Collective said it intended to build on Glue Store’s position with a “renewed focus on updated brand assortment, improved digital experience and new stores planned as part of the relaunch.”
The move comes just months after the youth fashion retailer was shut down by former owner Accent Group following an $8.4 million loss.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
Brand Collective acquired Glue Store, along with The DOM and Running Bare, in a deal announced this week.
The group has not revealed how many new Glue stores it plans to open or when the first will return.
Brand Collective chief executive David Thomas is leading the group’s expansion, which adds three retailers to a portfolio featuring major international and Australian brands. Credit: Brand CollectiveGlue Store has announced it has permanently closed its stores and online operation, but the youth fashion retailer is now set for a potential comeback under new ownership. Credit: Glue
Glue was one of Australia’s best-known youth fashion retailers before its sudden closure, leaving shoppers and staff facing an uncertain future.
The retailer had around 33 stores before Accent Group closed 17 locations in 2024, leaving 16 stores when the retailer was later shut down.
The relaunch will also give the brand access to Brand Collective’s wider retail, ecommerce, marketing and operational capabilities.
But the Glue Store revival is part of a broader strategy behind the three acquisitions.
Brand Collective chief executive David Thomas said the group saw “enormous potential across all three” businesses.
“These acquisitions demonstrate Brand Collective’s ongoing evolution and innovation as a business,” he said.
Brand Collective said the acquisitions of Glue Store and The DOM would expand its digital capability and establish a new multi-brand marketplace division within the group.
The DOM will be a key part of that strategy, with Brand Collective planning to turn the existing digital marketplace into a broader destination for fashion, footwear and lifestyle products.
“The DOM brings an established digital marketplace platform to the Group,” Thomas said.
The plattform previously operated by bringing together discounted and clearance stock from individual brands, with products shipped directly to customers by the participating brands.
The group said it would leverage its existing brand portfolio, supplier relationships and ecommerce expertise to build the new offering, with products available at “great prices”.
Running Bare’s activewear collections showcase the Australian label’s distinctive fashion and fitness identity as it prepares for a new chapter. Credit: Instagram
Australian activewear label Running Bare will take a different path.
“With more than four decades of heritage and a loyal customer following, Running Bare will retain its distinct identity while gaining access to the Group’s broader retail, ecommerce, wholesale, marketing and operational capabilities,” Thomas said.
The sportswear brand was founded in 1983 and has more than four decades of heritage and a loyal customer following, according to Brand Collective.
Further details on the Glue Store relaunch are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Once-popular fashion retailer given lifeline after shock closure
2 min read
All households to be slugged for EV chargers under plan
2 min read
