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AN Ashmore-headquartered international shopfitting company plans to expand operations to Singapore and New Zealand.
Retail One Shopfitting has confirmed it is in talks with the Singapore Government on opening an office in the Lion City.
Managing director Mark Teis (pictured) says the move comes from client demand for a local presence and as part of a broader strategy to enter the Asian market.
“We are holding talks with Singaporean authorities on potential office locations and corporate matters – and eventually want to do jobs in China,” says Teis.
“We are also establishing a strategic partnership with a Singapore-based retail shopfitting company.”
Retail One plans to hire a project manager in Singapore but will do most of the operational housekeeping remotely from the Gold Coast.
Teis is also in the process of leasing commercial property for a new office in New Zealand. It will handle a broad range of services including floor covering, shopfront glass and signage.
“We need to find a Kiwi supplier to help manufacture our shopfittings. We are looking to get on board a project manager, who will be relocated from Australia,” he says.
Closer to home, the company has fitted out several stores at the new Canelands Shopping Centre in Mackay.
It has also serviced Flight Centre, City Chic, Cotton On, Rubi Shoes, Footlocker and Just Jeans.
“We have also started working closely with Zaraffa’s Coffee, opening three stores and looking to open three more,” says Teis.
Retail One has also serviced Cue, JacquiE, Smiggle, Black Pepper, Veronika Maine, Peter Alexander, 99 Bikes, STA Travel, Escape Travel, Student Flights, Cruiseabout.com.au, the Paz Group and Specialty Fashion Group.
The strong line of business has prompted Teis to recruit more cabinet makers, sign makers, metal workers and other trades people in the new year.
Retail One recently donated $30,000 to the Vibe program, which is run by the Brisbane Youth Service in Fortitude Valley and offers reiki and meditation classes.
“I do yoga myself and love it because it helps reduce stress from working in a fastpaced industry. It keeps me calm and happy – and that rubs off on my staff,” says Teis.
Retail One predicts revenue will rise by 85 per cent to $10 million in fiscal 2012.
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YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR FINALIST
Mark Teis
Retail One Shopfitting
CONSTRUCTION
Age: 36
Business Est: 2007
Staff: 33
Growth: 60 per cent
Turnover: $5.4 million
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