Bisley Workwear
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Apparel, Clothing manufacturing and distribution |
| Founded | 1958 in Sydney, Australia |
| Founder | Joe Gazal |
| Headquarters | Banksmeadow, New South Wales , Australia |
Area served | Australasia, Europe |
| Products | Business shirts, school uniforms, surf and casual wear, intimate apparel |
| Parent | PVH (since 2019) |
Gazal Corporation Limited was an Australian apparel company publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange and based in Banksmeadow, New South Wales. The company’s primary operations involved designing, producing, importing, wholesaling, and retailing clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. Their product range included business shirts, school uniforms, surf and casual wear, as well as intimate apparel. Gazal owned several brands such as Mambo Graphics, Davenport, and Bisley Workwear, while also importing labels like Nautica and Calvin Klein Underwear. Additionally, it held the license for Oroton underwear. The company’s market extended throughout Australasia and Europe. Notably, the Mambo brand was divested to Saban Brands in 2015.
Profile
Established in 1958 by Joe Gazal and entering the Australian Securities Exchange in 1973, Gazal transitioned in 1993 from focusing on unbranded merchandise to emphasizing branded products. This shift marked its evolution from supplying "house-brands" to becoming a distributor of nationally recognized brands.
The company strategically emphasized ownership of the brands it produced, marketed, and distributed rather than depending heavily on licensing agreements. This approach provided greater long-term control and adaptability in brand development.
Gazal’s distribution network included major department stores like David Jones and Myer, along with independent retailers. The company operated across multiple customer segments within the clothing manufacturing and distribution industries. In 2015, its retail chain Trade Secret was sold to TJX.
History
- 1958 – Established in Sydney as a manufacturer specializing in men's shirts and pyjamas.
- 1973 – Became publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
- 1993 – Streamlined operations by reducing unbranded product lines to concentrate on national brands.
- 1994 – Formed joint ventures in Hong Kong and China to produce and market Arrow men’s shirts.
- 1996 – Acquired rights to the Lovable brand across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
- 1997 – Purchased a 25% shareholding in Gross Industries.
- 1998 – Obtained licensing rights for Nautica men’s lifestyle apparel in Australia and New Zealand.
- 2003 – Took over Davenport Underwear Group, including Body Art Australia, which held Australasian distribution rights for Calvin Klein underwear.
- 2005 – Expanded into men’s casual and formal trousers and suits throughout Australasia by acquiring Bracks Apparel Group.
- 2008 – Divested remaining interests in Mambo brand along with associated wholesale and retail operations for around $10 million.
- 2011 – Sold Brands United retail outlets to Pacific Brands.
- 2015 – Disposed of Trade Secret business to TJX.
- 2019 – Approximately 78% of Gazal Corporation shares were acquired by PVH.
Products
Gazal Corporation’s activities within the apparel sector are organized into two main divisions:
- Wholesale Group – Featuring brands such as Van Heusen, Bisley, Midford, Bracks, Paramount, and Pierre Cardin.
- Retail Group – Comprising Trade Secret, Calvin Klein Underwear, and Midford School Stores; operating 46 outlets as of 2011.