Australia’s first ASX-listed daigou retailer, AuMake International Limited (AuMake), has today opened the first of “many stores” it says will complement its existing network as part of the company’s strategy to connect Australian products with Chinese consumers.
The flagship store, on Sydney’s George Street is positioned to take advantage of the large Chinese tourist trade in the area and features new brands and a store format that will be rolled out across existing and new stores over the next 12 months.
AuMake Chairman Keong Chan said the store opening was symbolic of the company’s desire to increase Chinese consumer access to genuine Australian product and comes off the back of recent brand and trademark acquisitions (Health Essence, Jumbuck, UGG AUS) and an alliance announced with the Australian Made Campaign Limited, administrators of the Australian Made logo.
“Since ASX-listing in early October we’ve been focused on rapidly delivering on our strategic growth drivers – acquiring brands, building on new and existing supplier partnerships and growing our store network. Today marks yet another milestone in what is an incredibly exciting time to be part of AuMake’s journey,” said Chan.
Citing recent reports suggesting Chinese tourist numbers will triple by 2026, AuMake’s managing director Joshua Zhou said AuMake’s intention is to make Chinese tourists “feel very welcome so their connection to Australia and Australian product continues long after they’ve gone home.”
“Chinese tourists come to Australia to immerse themselves in our culture and soak up every experience, including purchasing authentic Australian products,” he said.
“Having in-demand Australian product available, with no purchasing limits, knowledgeable bilingual staff and payment options they are familiar with, including WeChat Pay, Alipay, Unionpay, is the basis of building a long-term relationship with Chinese tourists and daigou,” said Zhou.
Chan said 10 per cent of AuMake’s current sales comprise payments received from China via WeChat Pay and AliPay.
“Growing our retail store footprint in Australia, to expand our reach to Chinese tourists and daigou while they are here, is key to building a strong network of ambassadors for AuMake and our Australian brands once they return home,” he added.
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