Mosman’s famous OzResort swimwear store struggling to stay above water as rent row takes its toll

AN iconic swimwear shop which has served customers across Sydney for close to 30 years may have to close its doors as a rent row escalates.

OzResort has been a part of the Mosman retail landscape for nearly 30 years. Picture: Adam Ward

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AN iconic Mosman swimwear shop which has served customers across Sydney for close to 30 years may have to close its doors and relocate to Balgowlah because of financial pressures.

Jacqui Major’s OzResort has sold leading brands including SeaFolly, Jets, Baku, and Tigerlily to a generation of the city’s sun worshippers but it looks set to come to an end after Ms Major said she had been presented with a rate hike of 20 per cent.

“I am not going to get bullied,” said a tearful Ms Major. “It’s an institution. It has been a fabulous 29 years and there have been a lot of friendships which have started with this shop.

“This is my business and I’m not going to lie down and give up.

“What happened is we didn’t re-sign our option when it was up for renewal. I got a call from the real estate agent saying we forgot to sign.

“Basically, they wanted to put the rent up. He gave me the new lease and that said it’s going up by 20pc.

Jacqui Major says a rent increase and internet competition are having a drastic impact on her business.

“He said that’s where the market is.”

But LJ Hooker Mosman’s Director Retail and Commercial Scott Stephens disputed the 20 per cent figure, saying a modest rise, “in line with market values” was requested.

Ms Major said she has since been back to LJ Hooker and pitched a new deal where she pays less rent.

“We have made a fair offer,” she said. “It’s up to them.”

Mr Stephens said Ms Major had asked for a 25 per cent rental reduction. He told the Mosman Daily that was not an acceptable offer.

Ms Major says that if a deal cannot be reached she will have no choice but to shutter the shop and move the business to her warehouse in Roseberry St, Balgowlah.

“It’s not just about rent, there are other pressures including online (competition) but we are known for fitting out people in the shop and our customers are very loyal. It is a good business in a great location.”