Luxury bag business Mulberry looks for new local operator

The Australian operations of luxury handbag brand Mulberry are for sale after the fashion giant moved to take back control of its local franchise from a company overseen by the directors of failed retailer Sneakerboy.

Mulberry, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a favourite brand of celebrities including the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, has five stores in Australia — three in Melbourne and two in Sydney.

The leather goods maker operates as an independent franchise in Australia, run by the company Luxury Retail No 1.

Luxury Retail No 1. is directed by Melbourne-based Nelson Mair and Theo Poulakis, who also ran luxury footwear and streetwear retailer Sneakerboy. Sneakerboy was placed in voluntary administration last month owing more than $17 million to creditors.

Administrators Hamilton Murphy were called in to Sneakerboy last month due to short-term financing difficulties, the administrators said. The business sold luxury footwear brands including Adidas and Alexander McQueen, and was forced to close stores during lockdowns over the past two years.

In a statement on Friday, receivers McGrathNicol said Mulberry Group had appointed them as receivers to Luxury Retail No 1.

Mulberry stores will continue to operate on a business-as-usual basis, with all staff to remain employed and stores open.

McGrathNicol partners Barry Kogan, Jonathan Henry and Robert Smith have now taken control of the business as receivers.

“The appointment was made due to the Mulberry Group’s concerns over the continued viability of Luxury Retail, and comes after Mulberry Company (Australia) Pty Ltd recently acquired the secured debt owed by Luxury Retail to a third party,” the group said in a statement.