Bardot quits bricks and mortar retail, returns to quality

Bardot’s former Westfield Carousel store.

Bardot is back – but as an online-only store.

Five months after entering voluntary administration, chief executive officer Basil Artemides and wife, Carol Skoufis – the designer who founded the brand in 1996 – have re-purchased it.

The next era, Mr Artemides said, would focus on selling quality over quantity.

However instead of retail outlets, the executive added, the business plans to prioritise its warehousing and distribution network particularly overseas where it intends to expand.

Ms Skoufis has also taken back the role as head designer.

A relaunched website, bardot.com, markets Bardot (womenswear) and Bardot Junior ranges.

Headquartered in Melbourne’s Abbotsford, not far from its first outlet in Bridge Road, Richmond, Bardot employed about 800 people until its collapse.

At the time it traded from 72 Australian outlets and was growing its international presence.

KPMG restructuring partner Brendan Richards was the administrator.

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Marc Pallisco

A former property analyst and print journalist, Marc is the publisher of realestatesource.com.au.