Cotton On Kids

To ‘Cotton On’ to something means to understand or discover the potential of a great idea.

As a Group, we’ve always believed in big ideas matched with a fierce will to bring them to life.

In 25 years, the Cotton On Group has grown to become Australia’s largest value fashion group, with seven brands in 18 countries across the world, driven by a team of over 22,000 passionate people, and growing.

Central to this is the lifeblood of our organisation and the Group’s philanthropic arm, the Cotton On Foundation.

OUR VISION

Our vision is to be one of the most loved brands in the world.

As a Group we believe in big ideas matched with a fierce will to bring them to life.

We share a genuine belief in ourselves, each other and our ability to get things done. When we put our minds to something there’s no stopping us. Today is full of opportunities and new ideas.

Tomorrow, anything is possible.

OUR HISTORY

TO ‘COTTON ON’ to something means to understand or discover the potential of a great idea.

It all started in the late eighties, when acid wash and lycra ruled the fashion world.

Nigel Austin, our founder, grew up in Geelong with strong family ties to the rag trade.

His dad owned a manufacturing and importing business and Nigel would spend school holidays learning the ropes with his dad in Hong Kong.

The turning point came at age 18 when Nigel’s entrepreneurial spirit kicked in.

Armed with a pile of denim acid wash sample jackets, he headed to the Beckley Market in Geelong and set up shop. Customers loved the jackets, however he left the market without making a sale.

Disappointed but not deterred, Nigel chatted to his dad and returned the next week. He had an epiphany and dropped the price – the jackets sold out instantly. It was the start of something big.

Things took off quickly and in 1992, Nigel’s cousin, Ashley Hardwick, joined the clothing venture in his first year out of school and today remains part owner of the business.

From Geelong to the world!