Gazal Corporation
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Apparel |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Founder | Joe Gazal |
| Headquarters | Banksmeadow, New South Wales , Australia |
Area served | Australasia, Europe |
| Products | Clothing and accessories for men, women, and children; business shirts; school uniforms; casual attire; intimate apparel |
Gazal Corporation Limited was an Australian apparel company publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange, with its main office located in Banksmeadow, New South Wales. The company specialized in designing, manufacturing, importing, wholesaling, and retailing clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. Its product range encompassed business shirts, school uniforms, casual attire, and intimate apparel. Gazal owned various brands such as Mambo Graphics, Davenport, and Bisley Workwear, while also importing labels like Nautica and Calvin Klein Underwear. Additionally, it held the licensing rights for Oroton underwear. The company operated throughout Australasia and Europe. Notably, Mambo was divested to Saban Brands in 2015.
Profile
Established in 1958 by Joe Gazal and entering the Australian Securities Exchange in 1973, the company redirected its strategy in 1993 to prioritize nationally recognized brands over unbranded products, thereby strengthening its market presence. Moving away from licensing agreements, Gazal increasingly focused on owning the brands it produced and distributed to maintain greater control and adaptability in brand management.
Distribution channels included prominent retailers such as David Jones and Myer, as well as independent stores. Gazal competed across multiple market segments through its extensive brand portfolio. In 2015, the company sold its Trade Secret retail chain to TJX.
History
- 1958 – Established in Sydney as a producer of men’s shirts and sleepwear.
- 1973 – Became a publicly listed entity on the Australian Securities Exchange.
- 1993 – Shifted focus from unbranded products to national brand offerings.
- 1994 – Formed joint ventures in Hong Kong and China to manufacture and promote Arrow men’s shirts within China.
- 1996 – Purchased the Lovable brand rights for Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
- 1997 – Acquired a 25% ownership interest in Gross Industries.
- 1998 – Obtained licensing rights for Nautica men’s lifestyle apparel in Australia and New Zealand.
- 2003 – Bought Davenport Underwear Group and Body Art Australia, securing Australasian distribution for Calvin Klein underwear.
- 2005 – Expanded into men’s casual and formal trousers and suits by acquiring Bracks Apparel Group across Australasia.
- 2008 – Divested remaining stake in the Mambo brand and associated wholesale/retail operations for approximately $10 million.
- 2011 – Sold Brands United retail outlets to Pacific Brands.
- 2015 – Disposed of Trade Secret retail chain to TJX.
- 2019 – Approximately 78% of Gazal Corporation shares were acquired by PVH.
Products
Gazal Corporation's operations within the clothing sector were organized into two main divisions:
- Wholesale Group – Featuring brands such as Van Heusen, Bisley, Midford, Bracks, Paramount, and Pierre Cardin.
- Retail Group – Including Trade Secret, Calvin Klein Underwear, and Midford School Stores; this division managed 46 stores as of 2011.