Just Group
Australian and New Zealand fashion retail group operating the Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Jacqui E, Portmans and Dotti brands.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Just Group is an Australian fashion-retailing group whose principal portfolio comprises Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Jacqui E, Portmans and Dotti. The business originated with Just Jeans, founded in Melbourne in December 1970 by Craig Kimberley, his wife Connie, his brother Roger and his sister-in-law Chrissie. Craig Kimberley had encountered specialty denim stores during a trip to Los Angeles and San Francisco and proposed adapting the concept for Australia. After the idea was rejected by both his employer, textile and fashion manufacturer Aywon, and Coles Myer, the family partners raised $4,500 and opened a store on Chapel Street in Prahran. Its presentation of jeans stacked on shelves was distinctive in the local market and helped establish the business. The early company expanded through new stores and acquisitions. It opened additional Victorian locations in 1971, acquired the failed Walsh's menswear chain in 1976, and subsequently bought or absorbed regional chains including Jeans Junction in New South Wales, Denim in Jeans in Queensland and Zip Up in South Australia. In 1988, it purchased the Western Australian women's chain Central Park. The company also experimented outside its core market: a sporting-goods venture, MSD, was acquired in 1982 but sold two years later for a nominal amount after proving unsuccessful. In 1985, Just Jeans acquired Roger Kimberley's 50-store Cheap Jeans business and relaunched it as Jeans Extra, later renamed Extra Clothing before its sale to Sportscraft in 1987. Just Jeans entered New Zealand in 1990 and had 238 stores across Australia and New Zealand by early 1991. It became a public company in 1993, while continuing to broaden its fashion portfolio. Jay Jays was acquired in December 1993, followed by the women's chain Jacqueline Eve in 1994. Jacqueline Eve was repositioned toward working women aged approximately 30 to 45 and relaunched as Jacqui E in 1996. The group acquired Peter Alexander Sleepwear in 2000, retaining founder Peter Alexander as creative director, and bought Portmans in 2002. In 2004, the company acquired Dotti, adding another youth-oriented women's fashion brand. The 2007 acquisition of stationery retailer Smiggle diversified the portfolio beyond apparel, although Smiggle later remained outside the Apparel Brands business transferred to Myer. Ownership and corporate structure changed several times. A management buyout backed by Catalyst Investment Managers took Just Jeans private in 2001. The Just Group returned to the ASX in May 2004, but Premier Investments obtained control after an off-market takeover launched in 2008. The company was delisted in September 2008 and operated thereafter as part of Premier's retail portfolio. Between 2012 and 2015, the group undertook a digital retail transformation, reflecting the growing importance of online commerce in fashion retail. The group also faced scrutiny over supply-chain practices. It was criticised in 2011 and again in 2013 for the continued use of sandblasting in denim production, a process associated with potentially fatal silicosis among workers. The 2015 Baptist World Aid Fashion Report ranked the group among weaker performers on the protection of international garment workers. Other corporate developments included a 2016 legal dispute with former chief financial officer Nicole Peck and the 2017 departure of brand director Colette Garnsey for medical reasons. In 2024, Premier Investments reviewed the future structure of its portfolio. Plans to separate Smiggle and potentially Peter Alexander were reconsidered while Premier explored selling its Apparel Brands division. In October 2024, Premier and Myer announced an agreement under which Myer would acquire Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Jacqui E, Portmans and Dotti. The transaction was approved by shareholders and completed in January 2025, with Myer issuing new shares valued at approximately A$863.78 million to Premier and Premier contributing A$82 million to the business. Peter…
History
Just Group developed from Just Jeans, a Melbourne denim retailer established in December 1970 by Craig and Connie Kimberley, Roger Kimberley and Chrissie Kimberley. The founders raised $4,500 after their concept was rejected by Aywon and Coles Myer, then opened the first store on Chapel Street in Prahran. The store's shelf-stacked denim format differentiated it from prevailing clothing retail and supported rapid expansion. Stores followed in Bentleigh and Moonee Ponds in 1971. During the 1970s and 1980s, the company expanded geographically and used acquisitions to enter new markets. Walsh's menswear chain was purchased in 1976, followed by Jeans Junction in New South Wales, Denim in Jeans in Queensland and Zip Up in South Australia. Central Park, a failed women's chain in Western Australia, was acquired in 1988. The group also acquired MSD sporting-goods stores in 1982, but disposed of that unsuccessful venture in 1984. In 1985, it bought the 50-store Cheap Jeans business established by Roger Kimberley and relaunched it as Jeans Extra. The business subsequently became Extra Clothing and was sold to Sportscraft in 1987. Just Jeans opened its first New Zealand store in June 1990 and reached 238 stores across Australia and New Zealand by January 1991. It listed publicly in April 1993, then broadened its brand portfolio. Jay Jays was bought in December 1993. In September 1994, the company acquired Jacqueline Eve, a 50-store women's chain, and repositioned it as Jacqui E in 1996. The group acquired Peter Alexander Sleepwear in 2000, with founder Peter Alexander continuing as creative director. Portmans joined the portfolio in 2002, and Dotti was acquired in 2004. Smiggle, a stationery retailer, was acquired in 2007 and became the group's first major non-fashion brand. A management buyout backed by Catalyst Investment Managers took the company private in 2001. The Just Group returned to the ASX in 2004, but Premier Investments gained control through an off-market takeover that began in March 2008. The group was delisted in September 2008. From 2012 to 2015, it pursued a digital retail transformation as online shopping became increasingly important to apparel sales. The business attracted criticism over supply-chain conditions, particularly the use of denim sandblasting, which can expose workers to silica dust and cause silicosis. Criticism was reported in 2011 and continued in 2013. The 2015 Baptist World Aid Fashion Report also assessed the group poorly on worker protection. In 2016, the group lost a trial involving former CFO Nicole Peck, who had moved to a competitor. Brand director Colette Garnsey stepped down for medical reasons in 2017. In 2024, Premier considered restructuring its portfolio, including proposed separations of Smiggle and potentially Peter Alexander. It instead pursued a sale of the Apparel Brands division. Myer agreed to acquire the five fashion chains, and the transaction was completed in January 2025 after shareholder approval. The Apparel Brands business now sits within Myer, while Peter Alexander and Smiggle remain with Premier Investments.
- 2025
Apparel Brands becomes part of Myer
[1]The transaction receives shareholder approval and the apparel division transfers to Myer.
- 2024
Sale of Apparel Brands agreed
[1]Premier Investments and Myer announce an agreement for Myer to acquire the five-brand Apparel Brands division.
- 2021
Richard Murray joins Premier Retail
[1]Richard Murray commences as Premier Retail chief executive officer.
- 2012
Digital retail transformation begins
[1]The group begins a digital retail transformation that continued through 2015.
- 2008
Premier Investments gains control
[1]Premier Investments obtains a controlling interest in Just Group through an off-market takeover.
- 2008
Delisting from the ASX
[1]Just Group is delisted from the Australian Securities Exchange.
- 2007
Smiggle acquired
[1]The group buys stationery retailer Smiggle, its first significant non-fashion brand.
- 2004
Just Group relisted and acquires Dotti
[1]The Just Group is listed on the ASX and acquires Dotti during the same year.
- 2002
Portmans acquired
[1]Just Jeans acquires women's fashion chain Portmans.
- 2001
Management buyout
[1]A Catalyst Investment Managers-backed management buyout takes Just Jeans private.
Products and positioning
A multi-brand specialty fashion retailer serving denim, casualwear, youth fashion and women's apparel markets in Australia and New Zealand.
Denim and casualwear · 1970
Just Jeans
The original Just Group brand, Just Jeans focuses on denim-led casual clothing and related everyday apparel. Its founding concept was based on specialty jeans stores, with merchandise displayed in stacked shelves. The brand became the platform for the group's expansion across Australia and New Zealand and remains the portfolio's principal denim specialist.
Youth fashion
Jay Jays
Jay Jays is a youth-oriented fashion chain acquired by Just Jeans in 1993. It broadened the group beyond the original denim-specialist proposition with casual clothing and fashion merchandise aimed at younger consumers.
Women's fashion · 1996
Jacqui E
Jacqui E began as Jacqueline Eve, a women's clothing chain acquired in 1994. After acquisition, it was repositioned toward working women aged approximately 30 to 45 and relaunched under the Jacqui E name in 1996.
Women's fashion
Portmans
Portmans is a women's fashion chain acquired by Just Jeans in 2002. It forms part of the group's apparel-focused portfolio and complements the more denim-oriented Just Jeans and youth-oriented Jay Jays and Dotti brands.
Youth women's fashion · 1981
Dotti
Dotti is a women's youth-fashion chain founded in 1981 and acquired by the Just Group in 2004. It added another younger women's retail proposition to the group's multi-brand fashion portfolio.
Sleepwear and loungewear · 2000
Peter Alexander Sleepwear
Peter Alexander Sleepwear was acquired in 2000. Its founder, Peter Alexander, remained as creative director after the acquisition. The brand was part of the wider former Just Group and Premier portfolio but remained with Premier Investments after the Apparel Brands sale to Myer.
Stationery and accessories · 2007
Smiggle
Smiggle is a stationery retailer acquired in 2007 and was the group's first major non-fashion brand. It was considered for separation from Premier Investments and was not included in the Apparel Brands transaction with Myer.
Controversies
2024
Smiggle executive misconduct dismissal
Premier Investments dismissed Smiggle chief executive John Cheston, citing serious misconduct and a serious breach of his employment terms.
2021
Fortius Funds Management sues Just Group over rent
In April 2021, Fortius Funds Management filed a lawsuit against Just Group over rent for stores located in a shopping complex in the Sydney central business district. The claim concerned almost A$3.6 million in rent that Fortius Funds Management alleged was unpaid. The report describes the allegation made in the lawsuit; it does not state any court determination or outcome of the matter.
2015
Worker-protection criticism
The Baptist World Aid Fashion Report rated the Just Group among the weaker performers in protecting international workers.
2013
Continued sandblasting concerns
The group was reported to still be using sandblasting in denim production, extending criticism over occupational-health risks in its supply chain.
2011
Denim sandblasting criticism
Just Group was criticised for using sandblasting to create worn effects on denim. The process can generate respirable silica dust and has been associated with silicosis among garment workers.
Brand decisions
2024
Agreement to sell Apparel Brands to MyerM&ABackground
Premier Investments reconsidered plans to separate Smiggle and potentially Peter Alexander while evaluating strategic alternatives for its apparel brands.
Action taken
Premier agreed to transfer Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Jacqui E, Portmans and Dotti to Myer in exchange for newly issued Myer shares, with Premier also contributing A$82 million to the business.
Aftermath
After shareholder approval, the Apparel Brands division became part of Myer in January 2025. Peter Alexander and Smiggle stayed with Premier Investments.
Value of new Myer shares issued to Premier. Approximately A$863.78 million (Transaction announced in 2024; completed in January 2025)
2012
Digital retail transformationStrategyBackground
The group responded to the growing importance of online fashion retail and changing customer purchasing behaviour.
Action taken
Just Group undertook a digital retail transformation between 2012 and 2015.
Aftermath
The initiative marked a shift from a primarily store-led model toward a more integrated digital and physical retail operation.
2001
Management buyout takes Just Jeans privateM&ABackground
After years of expansion and public ownership, management and financial backers pursued a private ownership structure.
Action taken
Catalyst Investment Managers led a management buyout valued at A$108 million.
Aftermath
The business returned to public ownership through a Just Group ASX listing in 2004.
Management buyout value. A$108 million (2001)
1982
Diversification into sporting goodsStrategyBackground
Just Jeans sought to diversify beyond apparel by purchasing the MSD sporting-goods chain.
Action taken
The group acquired MSD, but exited the venture two years later after it failed to perform.
Aftermath
MSD was sold in 1984 for $1, illustrating the limits of the early diversification strategy.
Recent events
- 2025
Apparel Brands transfer to Myer[1]
M&A
Following shareholder approval, the Apparel Brands division became part of Myer; Peter Alexander and Smiggle remained with Premier Investments.
- 2024
Premier reviews the future of its retail portfolio[1]
M&A
Premier Investments reconsidered planned separations of Smiggle and Peter Alexander while investigating a sale of its Apparel Brands division.
- 2024
Myer agrees to acquire Just Group Apparel Brands[1]
M&A
Myer and Premier Investments announced an agreement for Myer to acquire Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Jacqui E, Portmans and Dotti.
- 2017
Brand director Colette Garnsey steps down[1]
Leadership change
Colette Garnsey left her brand-director role for medical reasons.
- 2016
Just Group loses trial involving former CFO Nicole Peck[1]
Lawsuit
The group lost a legal trial involving former chief financial officer Nicole Peck after she left to work for a competitor.
Sources2 sources
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