NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Myer

Myer is Australia's largest chain of department stores, retailing a broad range of merchandise including women's, men's and children's clothing, footwear and accessories; cosmetics and fragrance; homewares; electrical; furniture and bedding; toys; books and stationery; food and confectionery; and travel goods. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (880x117, 37 KB) Â© 1999-2006 Myer Ltd, Myer Ltd is a Newbridge Company. ... Bendigo is a large regional town in central Victoria, Australia, located in the City of Greater Bendigo. ... Motto: Peace and Prosperity Other Australian states and territories Capital Melbourne Governor HE Mr John Landy Premier Steve Bracks (ALP) Area 237,629 km² (6th) - Land 227,416 km² - Water 10,213 km² (4. ... The City of Melbournes coat of arms The central business district of Melbourne, viewed from the north Alternate meanings: Melbourne (disambiguation) Melbourne is the capital and largest city of the state of Victoria, and the second largest city in Australia, with a population of 52,117 in the Central... Sidney Baerski Myer, born Simcha Baevski , (February 8, 1878 Russia. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Drawing of a self-service store. ... Look up slogan in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... A website (alternatively, Web site or web site) is a collection of Web pages, images, videos and other digital assets that is hosted on one or several Web server(s), usually accessible via the Internet, cell phone or a LAN. A Web page is a document, typically written in HTML... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1114x1592, 1412 KB) Summary Myer department store, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1114x1592, 1412 KB) Summary Myer department store, Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. ... Sidney Myer (Simcha Baevski Myer) Coles Myer and Myer, named after Sidney Myer Fort Myer See also Myers This is a disambiguation page â€” a navigational aid which lists pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... The interior of a typical Macys department store. ...

History

Early history

Sidney Myer and his brother opened the first Myer store in Bendigo, Victoria in 1900. After prospering, the second store opened in 1908. In 1911, Sidney Myer purchased a drapery store on Bourke Street, Melbourne and in the following years purchased adjoining properties, eventually building a store known as the Myer Emporium. Sidney Baerski Myer, born Simcha Baevski , (February 8, 1878 Russia. ... Bendigo is a large regional town in central Victoria, Australia, located in the City of Greater Bendigo. ... â€œVICâ€ redirects here. ... Bourke Street Mall The newly redeveloped Bourke Street Mall East Bourke Street Mall during redevelopment Bourke Street is a major street in the central business district(CBD) of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. ...

From its base in Melbourne, Myer built Australia's largest chain of department stores, and the only chain with stores in all Australian states.

Myer's growth involved developing its own stores (in the process becoming one of Australia's major property developers and owners) as well as acquiring other department stores, including Adelaide's Marshall's, Western Australia's Boans, Queensland's Barry and Roberts and Grace Brothers. In Adelaide, the company Myer SA Stores Ltd began after acquiring a shareholding in Marshall's department store in 1925 and its shares continued to be listed on the Adelaide Stock Exchange until Myer Emporium Ltd made a successful takeover bid in 1966. TJX Companies (NYSE: TJX) is the Framingham, Massachusetts-based corporate parent of several discount retail chains. ... Boans c. ... Myer is an Australian chain of department stores founded in 1900 by Sidney Myer, in the regional Victorian town of Bendigo. ...

Target, Grace Bros and merger with GJ Coles

In 1968, Myer acquired Geelong's Lindsay's stores, renaming the business Target following the purchase of name and logo from US Target Corporation and positioning it as a discount department store chain. Target Australia Pty Ltd is an Australian company that operates over 350 Target department stores in its chain. ... This article is about the United States retail company. ...

In 1983, Grace Bros. bought Myer NSW, and then in July of that year Myer acquired Grace Bros. Holdings Ltd. The Myer store on Market and Pitt Sts in Sydney became the main Grace Bros. store. Grace Bros was an Australian department store chain, founded in 1885. ...

In 1985 the Myer Emporium (and Target, its discount department store) merged with GJ Coles & Coy forming Coles Myer Limited, then Australia's largest retailer. Myer remained a distinct entity within the new corporate structure until it was sold in 2006. Coles Myer Limited is an Australian public company which operates a number of retail chains. ...

On February 13, 2004, Grace Bros. stores were rebranded as Myer. ^[1] is the 44th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

In April 2004, Myer re-opened its Bondi Junction, New South Wales, store which replaced a former Grace Bros. store closed in April 2002 to make way for the redevelopment of Westfield Bondi Junction. It was the first Myer store to open in several years and incorporated new features such as white glossy floor tiles, extensive use of glass, and greater use of mannequins. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Bondi Junction is a suburb of Sydney, Australia, about 5 kilometres east of the central business district. ...

Under managing director Dawn Robertson, Myer began to target the Sydney market more strongly, to challenge the position of chief rival David Jones particularly in ladies fashion. In February 2004, Myer held its Sydney fashion parade the day before David Jones. On August 9, 2004, Myer staged a fashion parade open-air in Martin Place, gaining widespread attention, and again was held the day before David Jones' show. ^[2] David Jones is a common name, particularly in Wales, and there have been several well-known individuals with this name. ... is the 221st day of the year (222nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Martin Place Martin Place is a pedestrian mall in the business district of Sydney, Australia. ... David Jones is a common name, particularly in Wales, and there have been several well-known individuals with this name. ...

Myer leaves Coles Myer

On August 17, 2005, Coles announced that within 12 months, it would decide to demerge, divest or retain Myer. Thirteen expressions of interest were made for all or part of Myer. ^[3] is the 229th day of the year (230th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

On March 13, 2006, Coles Myer announced it would sell Myer to a consortium controlled by US private equity group Newbridge Capital, part of the Texas Pacific group. The consortium also included the Myer family, who held a 5% stake. The new owners, who also secured the freehold on the flagship Bourke Street store, indicated that they would not radically change the business, at least in the short term, and had no plans to redevelop the Bourke Street site as this would impact too heavily on profitability during the construction period. Texas Pacific also have interests in UK department store Debenhams and high-end US retailer Neiman Marcus. This sale was completed for $A1.4 bn on June 2, 2006. ^[4] is the 72nd day of the year (73rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Texas Pacific Group (commonly referred as TPG) is a private equity investment firm founded by David Bonderman, James Coulter and William Price in 1993. ... Debenhams plc (LSE: DEB) is a retailer with a chain of department stores based in the United Kingdom. ... Categories: Stub | Retail companies of the United States ... is the 153rd day of the year (154th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Under new owners

After being divested from Coles Myer (now Coles Group), new owners Newbridge Capital and the Myer family appointed chairman Bill Wavish and chief executive Bernie Brookes, both formerly of Woolworths. Woolworths Limited is a major Australian company with extensive retail interest throughout Australia and New Zealand. ...

Beginning July 2006, Myer held a "History Making Clearance" to clear out excess stock deemed either unprofitable or unpopular, and reduced inventories from $1.5 billion to $750 million, and all store-specific warehouses were closed.^[5] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins began appearing in campaigns for Myer in 2006 and in January 2007 signed a $4 million deal to be the "face" of Myer for four years.^[6] Miss Universe is an annual international female beauty contest, and the title for the winner of the contest, founded in 1952 by California clothing company Pacific Mills. ... Jennifer Hawkins (born 22 December 1983 in Holmesville, New South Wales, Australia[1]) is a beauty queen, model and television presenter from Newcastle, Australia who held the Miss Universe 2004 title. ...

Myer withdrew from the Coles Group part-owned FlyBuys rewards program on February 1, 2007. FlyBuys card (Australia) FlyBuys is a prominent Australian loyalty program operated by Loyalty Pacific, a joint venture of Coles Group and National Australia Bank. ... is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the. ...

In March 2007, Myer announced first half earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $123 million, an increase of 84% on the previous year. This represents a profit margin of 6.8%, compared with 3.9% in the previous corresponding period. According to chairman Bill Wavish, all Myer stores were now profitable, and all stores were more profitable than in the previous year. ^[7] Myer acquired four Harris Scarfe stores (including regaining a store it divested to Harris Scarfe in 1998) and took a minority shareholding in Harris Scarfe. A Harris Scarfe store in Tasmania Harris Scarfe Department Stores was founded in South Australia in 1850 in Adelaide, South Australia. ...

The Mymerch system, developed with IBM and Oracle, cost $99 million and was implemented early April 2007. Among other functions, Mymerch will beef up Myer's ability to carry out statistical analysis of customer habits giving it greater capacity to forecast sales trends and target promotions. ^[8] For other uses, see IBM (disambiguation) and Big Blue. ...

Myer's profit turnaround was tempered in April 2007 by the loss of key staff. Bob Boutin, apparel director, Mark Bingemann, womens wear business manager and Jasmine Bingemann, footwear and accessories manager all resigned within a short period.^[9]. This followed reports of management dissatisfaction over the direction of the fashion business signified by the defection of designers such as Alex Perry and Tigerlilly and cosmetics brand ModelCo to David Jones. ^[10] Alex Perry is an Australian fashion designer who has been nicknamed as Australiaâ€™s Most Glamorous Designerâ€™[1] . After graduating from East Sydney Fashion Design Studio in 1984, Alex worked as a model agent representing some of Australiaâ€™s most beautiful women for some of the worldâ€™s most elite... There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... David Jones is a common name, particularly in Wales, and there have been several well-known individuals with this name. ...

In June 2007, a consortium comprising the Myer family, Colonial First State and GIC Real Estate (Singapore) announced it would be purchasing Myer's Melbourne CBD store. The Bourke St part of the store is planned to be redeveloped by 2009, with Myer taking a 60-year lease. The Lonsdale Street part of the store will close, although Myer's overall retail floor space will decrease only slightly, from 46,000sq m to 42,000sq m.^[11] The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is one of the largest financial institutions in Australia, founded in 1911 by the Australian Government. ... The Hoddle Grid is the layout of the streets of the central business district of Melbourne, Australia. ...

Stores and services

"MYER one" rewards program

The MYER one program was introduced on August 2, 2004 after the cessation of the Coles Myer shareholder discount card on July 31, 2004. is the 214th day of the year (215th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 212th day of the year (213th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

It initially credited 1 point per $1 spent up to $2500 per annum; 1.5 points per $1 spent from $2500 to $5000 per annum; and 2 points per $1 spent for $5000+ per annum. Each 1,250 points accrued would earn the customer a $25 gift card, provided $1,500 was spent each year. With the relaunch of the Myer store card in November 2006, this changed to awards 2 points per $1 spent, regardless of annual spend, with 2,000 points required to receive a $20 gift card. Members who pay with a Myer store card receive an additional point per dollar spent. Selected MYER one members are sent a quarterly update, in addition to special member offers, including discounts, product samples and "gift with purchase" offers.

In September 2007, Myer stated that 1.6 million customers were MYER one members and 30,000 were joining each month. MYER one members accounted for 55% of all Myer sales, up from 43% when the company was bought from Coles Group in June 2006.^[12]

Myer store card

Myer originally had its own store card managed by Australian Retail Financial Network (ARFN), later sold to GE Money. This was superseded by a Coles Myer Card which could be used at all Coles Myer stores. This was augmented by the Coles Myer Source MasterCard, also managed by GE Money. GE Money is the direct-to-consumer financial services arm of General Electric, one of the largest companies in the world. ... MasterCard Worldwide (NYSE: MA) is a membership organization owned by the 25,000+ financial institutions that issue its card. ...

Following its sale, Myer relaunched the Myer card in October 2006 in conjunction with GE Money. According to GE Money, 125,000 accounts had been opened by August, 2007. ^[13] It has been reported that GE will launch a Visa credit card with Myer in November 2007. ^[14]

Coles Myer Card (Red Card) holders can are no longer make purchases or payments on their Coles Myer Card in Myer stores, despite the cards bearing Myer's name. When cardholders are issued a new card, it will be named the Coles Group Card, with Myer's name removed.

Store Locations

For full article see List of Myer stores // Myer Wagga Wagga Sydney Central Plaza 7 floors plus a mezzanine, Sydney 47,000 mÂ²[1] Westpoint Blacktown 2 floors, Blacktown 10,000 mÂ² soon to occupy 3 levels and expand to 15,000 mÂ² Westfield Bondi Junction 4 floors, Bondi Junction 17, 924 mÂ² Castle Towers 2 floors, Castle...

Myer has stores in all Australian states and the Australian Capital Territory. Most stores are located on the eastern seaboard, with New South Wales containing the largest number. Stores are located in most capital cities and their suburbs, and selected country towns.

In 2006, Myer announced it the opening of new stores, starting with four former Harris Scarfe stores (two in South Australia and two in Victoria). ^[15] Further to this, in 2007 in Sydney, Myer is taking over former David Jones stores in Sydney at Westfield Eastgardens and Centro Bankstown, and will open a store in the Stockland Townsville centre in early 2009. A Harris Scarfe store in Tasmania Harris Scarfe Department Stores was founded in South Australia in 1850 in Adelaide, South Australia. ... Westfield Eastgardens is a major Westfield shopping centre in the suburb of Pagewood in Sydney, although now the shopping centre itself and the surrounding area is commonly referred to as its own suburb of Eastgardens, seperate from Pagewood and the surrounding areas of Maroubra and Hillsdale. ... Construction of the Centro Bankstown extension Centro Bankstown, formerly Bankstown Square is a major regional shopping centre situated in the central business district of the City of Bankstown. ... Stockland Townsville is Townsvilles biggest shopping centre. ...

Chairman Bill Wavish has said that Myer is willing to build new stores if necessary, and that new locations could be in any city or town with a population over 40,000 people. ^[16]

On 22 September 2007, Myer's Liverpool Street building in Hobart was destroyed by a fire that is believed to have started in the cosmetic section. Estimates placed the damage costs at $50 million for the building alone with many millions more for all the stock which was destroyed. The building including its historic façade was subsequently demolished. The adjacent Murray Street building suffered substantial smoke and water damage. Within a day of the fire, Myer issued a statement saying it would be rebuilding in Hobart. It is unknown whether they will rebuild on the old site, however that is their preference.^[17]^[18] For other places and things named Hobart, see Hobart (disambiguation). ...

Departments

Womenswear is usually prominently featured within each store and will often be the largest department. Myer carries various mass market labels in womenswear, with a selection of designer clothing available only in city stores. Petite (short) and plus sized clothing is kept in separate areas to regular sized clothing. There are a large number of concession stores that sell women's clothing.

Cosmetics, Fragrances & Personal Care has a higher expenditure on labour, as most counters require their own staff. Usually positioned at the main entrance to the store, most products are now on open-sell.

Menswear is usually located on a separate floor to womenswear, the labels carried lie much more in the mid range. Unlike womenswear, the department has areas devoted to Accessories, Business Shirts, Suits, Shoes and Underwear. Designer and concession brands are available in selected stores, as is formal hire.

Fashion Accessories houses women's handbags, scarves, hats, belts, purses/wallets, jewellery, hosiery, socks; women's & men's watches and sunglasses.

The range of men's and ladies' shoes carried varies by store. Designer shoe ranges are only available in limited stores.

Intimate Apparel section sells women's underwear, lingerie, sleepwear and gowns. Some staff are trained in fitting bras, and occasionally some underwear brands will have a fitter in store to give advice.

Homewares includes cookware, kitchenware, tabletop (crockery & cutlery), manchester, glassware and napery. Usually extremely busy during sales, this department also contains the bridal registry.

Miss Shop and Men's Youth aimed at those in mid to late teens, Miss Shop tends to attract late teens to mid twenties, even into thirties. Different music to the rest of the store is played within these areas. There are also music videos showing either in fitting rooms or on the shop floor. Merchandising principles are relaxed from what is required in womenswear and menswear; and abstract fixtures and visual displays are often used. For example, items can be hung sideways on hangers, mannequins are sometimes dressed "messily" or clothes may be stacked on chairs and milk crates.

At the Melbourne City store, both these departments are located in "The Basement" and is much larger than in other stores, at almost 6,000m2.^[19] The staff are dressed casually to reflect the youth target market. There are also a small number of concession stores within this area. The concept has been expanded to selected stores - such as Warringah Mall and Chatswood, but generally on a smaller scale.

Childrenswear is separated into babywear, boyswear and girlswear, it caters up to ages 14-16, depending to the child's size. Children's shoes are also sold.

Electrical that was the subject of little focus under previous management, the electrical department is now more important to Myer. In 2006, Myer won iPod retailer of the year, being the largest seller in the Australia & New Zealand iPod market. ^{[citation needed]} iPod is a brand of portable media player designed and marketed by Apple and launched in October 2001. ...

In July 2004, Brazin Limited, which operates Virgin Megastores Australia, entered into an agreement with Myer to create Virgin entertainment locations in Myer stores. Under the agreement, Myer stock was acquired and Myer pre-recorded audio and video departments were re-branded to Virgin. Virgin Megastores is an international chain of record shops, founded by Sir Richard Branson on Londons Oxford Street in January or February 1971 (exact date uncertain). ...

Myer operated its own direct mail order company, Myer Direct, from 1989 until its sale to Ezibuy in January 2002. Mail order is a term which describes the buying of goods or services by mail delivery. ...

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