Analysing The Colorado Group

Andrew Whittaker is a partner at Ferrier Hodgson.

RB: Briefly (in one or two points) explain what you'll be speaking about at the Conference?
AW: I’ll be presenting a case study on the Colorado Group, its slide into receivership, the recapitalisation of the Group, the turnaround plan and relaunch as Fusion Retail Brands.

RB: Why do you believe this/these topic(s) are important and relevant to retailers?
AW: The business challenges that were faced by the Colorado Group which led to its demise are all, or in part, faced by many of Australia’s retailers. This presentation may provide valuable lessons that enable retailers to take early action and avoid the pitfalls that beset Colorado.

RB: Can you provide comment about the current state of the Australian retail sector and ONE tip you'd give to retailers.
AW: Apart from the obvious necessity of omni-channel retailing and embracing social networks, the key is to make bricks and mortar retailing an EXPERIENCE. The brand has to mean something (it has a story to tell) and the experience has to make it worth getting out of the armchair!