Country Road to beef up store security after protest

Country Road is calling for calm ahead of the release of a review into sexual harassment and bullying claims at the group following vandalism at its flagship Melbourne store on Wednesday.

Country Road Group is beefing up security at its stores and instructing staff on how to deal with protesters if they turn up at their doors, as the scandal around claims of sexual harassment and workplace bullying boiled over into one of its stores on Wednesday.

Overnight Country Road Group, the retailer whose brands include Country Road, Trenery, Witchery, Mimco and Politix, condemned the vandalism at its flagship store in South Yarra, Melbourne.

Police are investigating the incident that saw the store’s doors and windows were plastered with signs saying “stop the cover ups!”, “let women speak” and “listen to women” in the wake of the sexual harassment scandal that has engulfed the retailer.

Country Road Group, which is owned by South African company Woolworths Holdings, has also reviewed its security measures and store protocols for staff.

It comes as the crisis swirling around the company regarding improper workplace behaviour by some former executives heats up.

“While we respect the democratic right to peaceful protest, we do not condone vandalism or damage to property,” a Country Road Group spokeswoman said overnight.

Country Road’s Yarra store is plastered with messages. Picture: David Caird

The incident followed a staff email from Woolworths Holdings boss Roy Bagattini, which was leaked to the media, that ordered Country Road Group staff not to discuss the workplace issue with outsiders, namely the media.

It is unknown who was responsible for the posters at the Country Road South Yarra store.

“The safety and wellbeing of our team is our priority. Our South Yarra team followed guidelines to ensure the safety of our retail team members and customers and notified the relevant authorities,” the company said.

“As previously communicated, it is critically important to us that our workplace is one where all team members feel safe, valued and included.”

In response to the poor handling of sexual harassment and workplace bullying claims at its Melbourne headquarters, Woolworths Holdings has commissioned an independent review into the matter. The results of this review should be known soon.

“The independent review currently underway is in its final stages, the outcomes of which are expected to be shared with Country Road Group team members in June,” it said.

Police leaving the vandalised Country Road store in South Yarra, Melbourne. Picture: David Caird

“We are committed to taking all actions that are necessary to ensure that we provide a safe and inclusive workplace. We urge all parties to avoid speculation and not to rush to conclusions prior to the completion of the independent review.”

Country Road Group was revealed on Monday to be mired in a sexual harassment and workplace bullying scandal involving former executives.

The highly-placed executives suddenly departed and the global boss flew to Australia to address staff to announce the external investigation.

One of those executives was Rachid Maliki, who was brought in from outback outfitter RM Williams as Country Road Group’s chief supply chain officer.

Following allegations of sexual harassment and bullying it is believed that Mr Maliki was given two weeks leave as an investigation started. He later exited the business suddenly on February 19 after only 19 months in the role.

There were also allegations of workplace bullying against a second RM Williams executive brought into Country Road Group, Mehmed Mustafic, around his alleged treatment of some staff at the fashion house’s Burnley head office.

These allegations did not include sexual harassment or sexually inappropriate conduct. Mr Mustafic exited the business on March 21 after serving for only 10 months in the role as general manager of sourcing and product development.

There have been no official findings against Mr Maliki or Mr Mustafic.

Both were contacted for comment by The Australian. It is not known whether Mr Maliki or Mr Mustafic will be given the opportunity to defend themselves in response to the allegations in the review commissioned by Country Road Group.

The Australian recently revealed Country Road Group executives were given formal details of horrific workplace behaviour from angry and upset staff as early as December in an employee survey, which detailed some of the allegations of sexual harassment and bullying.