‘Twiggy’ Forrest brings outback swagger back to George Street

Billionaire mining magnates, Andrew “Twiggy” and Nicola Forrest, are bringing back the outback swagger to George Street with the opening of a flagship store for the famous Australian “bushies” outfitter R.M. Williams.

It is part of the ongoing revamp of George Street that was once the main thoroughfare in the city connecting the harbour side to the trains at Central. Now that it has been given over to people and the light rail, tenants are keen to once again, call the street home.

Renders of the new R.M.Williams store at 345 George Street, Sydney

The brand, owned by the Nicola and Andrew Forrest investment group, Tattarang, will take up residence in a newly fitted 460 square metre store and will offer all the experiences now demanded by the modern shopper, such as specialist boot fitting services, brand activations and other events.

It will be an anchor site in the ISPT-owned tower at 345 George Street, a small swagger down the road from its previous location near the King Street corner and will sit in the new upmarket fashion enclave that also houses Cartier and Louis Vuitton. Rolex by Swiss Concept is taking over the former Sneaker boy store at 388 George Street, next to Cartier.

The signage of a big boot was erected on Friday with the official opening slated for December 1.

Known as the Australian cattleman’s brand, it was sold offshore in 2013 to LVMH Group and then rolled into a private equity firm L Catterton several years later. After years owning R.M. Williams and trying to market it to an overseas audience, L Catterton tried to sell it again in mid-2019.

‘Our new location will offer a world-class retail experience … that immerses customers in the world of R.M.Williams.’

R.M.Williams CEO Paul Grosmann

Tattarang, run by Andrew and Nicola Forrest, stepped in and bought the brand, returning it to Australian ownership in October 2020 for a reported $190 million. RM Williams is based in Adelaide and was founded by bushman Reginald Murray Williams 88 years ago.

The brand has been part of the George Street retail landscape since 1987 and relocated the first Sydney store from Castlereagh street which opened in 1981, to 389 George Street, which closes next month.

RM Williams chief executive Paul Grosmann said it’s an “honour to expand into a new flagship space on George Street, the same street that has hosted us since 1987”.

“Our new location will offer a world-class retail experience with a number of distinctive spaces and interactive moments that immerse customers in the world of R.M.Williams,” Grosmann said.

Andrew Forrest tours an RM Williams Workshop in Adelaide in 2021.Credit: David Mariuz

“We look forward to celebrating this next chapter of our retail journey in such an iconic location - one that’s emerging as the beating heart of Sydney’s retail scene.”

He said the space will house the label’s entire assortment of iconic boots, belts, bags and accessories along with the latest apparel collections for men and women.

George Street, with the success of the light rail and the new pedestrian zones, is taking the fight to its rival, with tenants jostling for space as they get set to move in over the coming months. Big brands are now jostling for space with Nike launching its flagship store at 319 George Street, along with Max Mara and Georg Jenson.

In retaliation, Pitt Street Mall will be the home of the world’s largest LEGO store when it opens on November 1.

Alex Alamsyah, partner and head of retail leasing at Knight Frank, who advised on the LEGO and R.M.Williams leases and Rolex at 388 George Street, said the battle of retail prime streets continues in Sydney CBD.

“Knight Frank and ISPT are proud to deliver the Australia’s largest R.M. Williams flagship store on George Street to sit next to Burberry and Louis Vuitton and opposite the forthcoming Rolex by Swiss Concept,” Alamsyah said.

“We strive to deliver the best for ISPT’s 345 George Street asset and customers, and this is a testament to that.”

Alamsyah worked with Martin Heal the asset manager of ISPT and Mark McClennan of GM Retail the tenant representative and advisor of RM Williams in securing the site.

Amanda Steele, head of property at ISPT said George Street has undergone a remarkable transformation recently establishing itself as the “civic spine” of Sydney’s CBD.

Steele said that by reclaiming former roadway, it has provided the opportunity to create a globally iconic high street that is walkable and accessible.

“This transformation has attracted some of the most well-known Australian and International brands, creating a world-class destination for workers, residents, and visitors alike,” Steele said.

“We are thrilled to welcome R.M Williams to George Place with the opening of their flagship store later this year. As a globally recognised, Australian-born brand, their new store continues to build on their rich history on George Street and represents our ambition to create meaningful places for people and the community.”

Alamsyah added said that George Street is “power” and can compete with Pitt Street Mall in securing mainstream retailers, but George Street can also compete with Castlereagh Street in securing luxury retailers.

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