Early Life
Nigel Austin was born on September 24, 1970, in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. He grew up in Geelong and his father Grant Austin ran a clothing wholesale and import business. Nigel spent his school holidays working in his father's business, gaining early exposure to the fashion industry. At the age of 18, he started selling acid-washed denim jackets from the boot of his car at the Beckley Markets in Geelong. Recognizing the potential, he dropped out of university after a year to focus on his growing garment business.
Rise to Success
In 1991, Austin opened his first store in Geelong. Over the next fifteen years, he expanded to more than fifty stores across Australia. His business acumen led to the establishment of international stores, with locations in New Zealand, South Africa, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the United States.
Key Business Strategies
Austin's success can be attributed to several key strategies. He focused on affordable fashion, targeting young consumers. His business model involved direct sourcing, leveraging his family's connections within the garment trade. The Cotton On Group has a diverse portfolio of brands including Cotton On, Cotton On Kids, Cotton On Body, Rubi, Typo, and Supré. The brand also prioritized strong site selection for new stores and agility in meeting shifting consumer demand.
Philanthropy
In 2007, after the birth of his first son, Austin established the Cotton On Foundation. The foundation focuses on healthcare and education initiatives in developing countries like Uganda, where it has supported the construction of schools and medical facilities. The Cotton On Foundation has raised $188 million since 2007.
